Easy Bible・Matthew 18

Forgiveness and Humility

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches about forgiveness and humility. It starts with Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus responds by saying not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Then, Jesus tells a parable about a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed him an enormous amount of money, and when he couldn't pay, the king ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children. The servant begged for mercy, and the king forgave his debt. However, that same servant found another servant who owed him a small amount of money and demanded payment. When the second servant couldn't pay, he was thrown into prison. When the king heard about this, he was furious and had the first servant thrown into prison as well. Jesus concludes by saying that the heavenly Father will treat us the same way if we do not forgive others from our hearts. This chapter teaches us the importance of forgiveness and the consequences of unforgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness should be unlimited, just as God's forgiveness towards us is unlimited. We are called to forgive others, no matter how many times they have wronged us. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the magnitude of God's forgiveness and the hypocrisy of refusing to forgive others. It reminds us that we should not hold grudges or seek revenge but extend grace and mercy to those who have hurt us. Additionally, Matthew 18 highlights the value of humility. Jesus uses a child as an example, saying that unless we humble ourselves like a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. He emphasizes the importance of not causing others to stumble and the need to confront a brother or sister who has sinned against us in a spirit of love and reconciliation. This chapter teaches us to prioritize unity, forgiveness, and humility in our relationships with others, just as God has shown us through Jesus.