Parables of the lost sheep and the unforgiving servant

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Matthew 18:12-14

          12 " What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  13 And if he should find it, assuredly I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.14 Even so it is not the will of your Father that one of these little ones should perish.

COMMENTARY

          This parable shows that God himself seeks out sinners and Christians who have gone astray.  In the days of Christ the Pharisees and Sadducees taught that God would receive sinners if they seriously sought His forgiveness.  Yet in this parable it God is seeking out the sinner. The shepherds in those days were responsible for all the sheep. His master would be very upset if one was lost or killed

          Isn't that a wonderful thing to know that God seeks out sinners to bring them to repentance and let them receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?  It was God that sought us out to be saved.  Maybe he is seeking you out right now if you’re a Christian that has gone astray.  If you are turn around repent and return to the flock that Jesus shepherds.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:23-35

          23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.  26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ' Master, have patience with me and I will pay you all' 27 Then the master of the servant was moved with compassion, released him and forgave his debt. 28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, and ‘Pay me what you owe! 29' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'  30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant!  I forgave all that debt because you begged me.

33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35" So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.

          In this parable the king and master represent God the Father. The first servant who owed an unpayable debt and begged for mercy God forgave him his debt. This represents God's compassionate forgiveness of a sinner who repents. Now this same servant went to one of his fellow servants and demanded what he owed him even putting his hands around the mans throat.  The fellow servant begged him to have patience the same way he had begged and was given forgiveness.  But instead of forgiving his fellow servant he threw him jail until his debt was paid when his fellow servants who represent believers in the parable heard what had happened they were grieved.  Not forgiving others is offensive to other believers and it offends God greatly and He will chasten the unforgiving children that belong to Him. So the servants went to their master (God) and told Him and He was angry.  God is holy and is always angry at sin. Even if it is one of his children.  So He calls the wicked servant before him and hands over to the torturers.  Notice these are not executioners as the servant-believer must be chastened and disciplined.

     COMMENTARY

          Let's read verse 35 again, it’s a very important verse:" So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." If we do not forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ we also will be disciplined.  We must keep forgiveness in our hearts at all times, so as not to anger our heavenly Father.