Matthew 18:21-35 NRSVue
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him, 25and, as he could not pay, the lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
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Reflection on Matthew 18:21-35
Inspiration from 2026-09-13 Daily Prayer
Forgiving others, or hoping to be forgiven for wrongs we have done to others, is something not many of us are very keen to contemplate. Jesus had no such reticence about tackling the subject. Clearly, he wanted us to know that his Father didn’t just forgive once or twice. Like the prodigal son, we will be forgiven no matter how often we return asking for it.
Further reflection
The forgiveness that is given to us is for ourselves certainly, but when God is at work there is no purely private benefit as the effects spread widely.
What we receive from God, we are given freely. As I acknowledge that what is good in my life comes from God, I pray for the generosity I need to be a blessing to others.