The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

This parable teaches about forgiveness and the consequences of unforgiveness.

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Matthew 18:23-35/ KJV

23. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34. And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Sermons Related to this Bible Chapter - The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Parables 10: In the kingdom of God, forgiveness is constitutional : The kingdom of God (or of the heavens, according to the gospels) corresponds to what is in the likeness of God. Jesus made it palpable when he came, the Church – of which Christ is the head – must make it palpable and it will be lived in a perfect way with God. One of the characteristic traits of this kingdom is unlimited brotherly forgiveness.

Bible Red Thread 13: The Family of God (Matthew 18) : Matthew 18: 1-5 / Darby 1. In that hour the disciples came to Jesus saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of the heavens? 2. And Jesus having called a little child to [him], set it in their midst, 3. and said, Verily I say to you, Unless ye are converted and become as little children, ye will not at all enter into the kingdom of the heavens. 4. Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, *he* is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens; 5. and whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receives me.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Greatest in the Kingdom; Temptation to Sin; The Lost Sheep; Forgiveness; The Unforgiving Servant

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A visual representation of a large sum of money – coins scattered and piled high, seemingly never-ending – contrasting with a single, insignificant coin representing a servant's inability to show mercy. The vastness of the wealth highlights the injustice of the unforgiving servant's actions. The abundance of money juxtaposed with a single coin symbolizes the immeasurable nature of God’s mercy contrasted with the servant’s pettiness.

A group of people in simple clothing gathered around a storyteller in the morning sun. Their faces reflect a range of emotions as the parable of the unmerciful servant is being told, emphasizing the impact of the narrative on their daily lives. The group of people listening to the parable illustrates the message’s universal relevance and the importance of understanding the consequences of unforgiveness.

A macro close-up of a clenched fist, dirt under the fingernails, representing the unforgiving servant's hardened heart. The background subtly shows a glimpse of a lavish feast, contrasting with the servant's harshness. The clenched fist symbolizes the unforgiving heart, while the feast hints at the abundance the servant received but failed to share.

Macro close-up of a tear rolling down a weathered cheek, reflecting the sorrow and regret of the servant who received forgiveness but failed to extend it. A single, tarnished coin is subtly visible. The tear and coin represent the servant's regret for his lack of mercy after receiving forgiveness, a key element in Matthew 18:23-35.

A bright morning scene in a sun-drenched olive grove. A man, dressed in simple robes, sits alone amidst the olive trees, his face etched with worry, symbolizing the servant facing his debt. The golden sunlight emphasizes the opportunity for forgiveness. The olive grove setting evokes a sense of peace and reflection, contrasting with the servant’s inner turmoil, highlighting the missed opportunity for reconciliation.

A vibrant sunrise paints the sky over a bustling marketplace. Caravans laden with goods and people engaged in their daily lives contrast with the solitary figure of a servant, deeply troubled by his debt and his inability to forgive. The warm light of the morning symbolizes a chance for redemption. The bustling marketplace represents the world’s distractions and the servant's inability to focus on his true debt and the need for forgiveness.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across a barren landscape, a solitary figure, cloaked and burdened, walks away from the city. The servant’s silhouette is dwarfed by the vastness of the setting sun, mirroring his insignificance in the face of God's mercy. The vastness of the landscape accentuates the servant's isolation and his alienation from God’s mercy, reflecting the consequences of unforgiveness.

Morning light illuminates a courtyard where a servant, dressed in fine clothes, confronts his fellow servant, demanding payment. The other servant's desperate posture and fearful expression highlight the mercilessness of the situation. This scene visualizes the conflict and harshness inherent in the parable, highlighting the unforgiving servant’s demand for immediate repayment.

Two figures are shown, one in rich clothing and one in rags, in a dimly lit prison cell or a dusty road at night. The rich figure represents the unforgiving servant, while the poor figure symbolizes the servant he refused to forgive. The contrast between rich and poor clothing, set at night, represents the great disparity and lack of empathy demonstrated by the unmerciful servant.

A detailed depiction of a debt contract, meticulously written on parchment, with the seal showing a broken bond. The heavy weight of the contract reflects the unforgiving servant’s burden. This scene depicts a story without using human characters, focusing on the elements of the parable. A visual representation of the unforgiving nature and burden of debt without depicting the characters.

overlayed with the bible verse 23. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

A macro close-up of a clenched fist, dirt under the fingernails, representing the unforgiving servant's hardened heart. The background subtly shows a glimpse of a lavish feast, contrasting with the servant's harshness.
Macro close-up of a tear rolling down a weathered cheek, reflecting the sorrow and regret of the servant who received forgiveness but failed to extend it. A single, tarnished coin is subtly visible.
A bright morning scene in a sun-drenched olive grove. A man, dressed in simple robes, sits alone amidst the olive trees, his face etched with worry, symbolizing the servant facing his debt. The golden sunlight emphasizes the opportunity for forgiveness.
A vibrant sunrise paints the sky over a bustling marketplace. Caravans laden with goods and people engaged in their daily lives contrast with the solitary figure of a servant, deeply troubled by his debt and his inability to forgive. The warm light of the morning symbolizes a chance for redemption.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across a barren landscape, a solitary figure, cloaked and burdened, walks away from the city. The servant’s silhouette is dwarfed by the vastness of the setting sun, mirroring his insignificance in the face of God's mercy.
Evening twilight falls upon a small village, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. A lone figure, the unforgiving servant, sits outside his humble dwelling, consumed by bitterness, as the peaceful atmosphere highlights his inner turmoil.
Morning light illuminates a courtyard where a servant, dressed in fine clothes, confronts his fellow servant, demanding payment. The other servant's desperate posture and fearful expression highlight the mercilessness of the situation.
Two figures are shown, one in rich clothing and one in rags, in a dimly lit prison cell or a dusty road at night. The rich figure represents the unforgiving servant, while the poor figure symbolizes the servant he refused to forgive.
A detailed depiction of a debt contract, meticulously written on parchment, with the seal showing a broken bond. The heavy weight of the contract reflects the unforgiving servant’s burden. This scene depicts a story without using human characters, focusing on the elements of the parable.
A visual representation of a large sum of money – coins scattered and piled high, seemingly never-ending – contrasting with a single, insignificant coin representing a servant's inability to show mercy. The vastness of the wealth highlights the injustice of the unforgiving servant's actions.
A group of people in simple clothing gathered around a storyteller in the morning sun. Their faces reflect a range of emotions as the parable of the unmerciful servant is being told, emphasizing the impact of the narrative on their daily lives.
Night falls on a group of people huddled around a flickering fire, listening intently as an elder recounts the parable of the unforgiving servant. The firelight casts shadows on their faces, and the mood is somber and reflective.

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.

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