Forgiveness is hard. It can feel unfair, uncomfortable, and even impossible at times. Yet, it sits at the very heart of the Christian life. In one of His most interesting teachings, Jesus shares the parable of the unforgiving debtor to show us just how deeply forgiveness matters. This story challenges us to examine our hearts, release bitterness, and reflect the same mercy God shows us every day.
You may have heard the parable of the unforgiving debtor in Matthew 18:21–35. But is Jesus talking about someone far away—or is He talking about us? As we view this passage together, we learn why forgiving others is not optional, but essential to spiritual growth.
The Unforgiving Debtor — “Seventy Times Seven”
Peter approached Jesus with a sincere question. He wanted to know how often he should forgive someone who wronged him.
“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’” (Matthew 18:21)
At the time, religious leaders taught forgiveness up to three times. Peter thought seven would surely impress Jesus. But Jesus responded with something far greater.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” (Matthew 18:22)
Jesus wasn’t giving a specific number. Instead, He was showing that forgiveness should be limitless. Then He illustrated His point with a powerful story.
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.” (Matthew 18:23)
The king discovered one servant owed an enormous debt. Unable to repay, the servant begged for mercy.
“So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’” (Matthew 18:26)
Moved with compassion, the king completely forgave the debt.
“And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.” (Matthew 18:27)
However, that same servant soon demanded payment from a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount.
“But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.” (Matthew 18:30)
When the king heard what happened, he confronted the unforgiving servant.
“You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:32–33)
Jesus ends the parable with a solemn warning.
“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35)
How Much Did the Unforgiving Servant Owe?
The servant owed ten thousand talents—an amount so large it was virtually impossible to repay. In today’s terms, it would equal millions, even billions, of dollars. This debt represents our own sin before God.
When we recognize how much we have been forgiven, it becomes clear why Jesus calls us to forgive others freely. Our debts to God have been completely wiped away through Christ.
How Many Times Should We Forgive Others?
Jesus’ answer of “seventy times seven” means forgiveness should never stop. There should be no scoreboard, no limit, and no final strike. God’s mercy toward us is endless, and He invites us to reflect that same mercy.
What If God Only Forgave Us Seven Times?
Most of us would fail before lunchtime. We stumble daily in thought, word, and deed. Thankfully, God’s forgiveness is abundant and constant.
This truth reminds us of the ultimate meaning of forgiveness, beautifully explained here. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross paid our debt completely, once and for all.
The Promise of Forgiveness from God
When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, our sins are fully forgiven. Our past is erased, and our future is secured. Even though we will still struggle with sin, God continues to extend grace.
This is one of the defining differences between a believer and a non-believer: we are forgiven. Not because we are better, but because we trust in Christ’s finished work.
If you would like to explore more about grace, the story of Mephibosheth offers a unique illustration. You can read it here.
Forgiving Others
The parable of the unforgiving debtor directly applies to our daily lives. The grace we receive should overflow into how we treat others.
Holding onto bitterness poisons our hearts. Forgiveness, on the other hand, brings healing, freedom, and peace.
What Does It Mean to Forgive Your Debtors?
To forgive your debtors means to release others from the emotional debt they owe you. It does not excuse wrongdoing, but it entrusts justice to God. Forgiveness is an act of obedience and faith.
Jesus taught us to pray:
“… forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
This prayer challenges us to forgive as freely as we desire to be forgiven.
The Double Standard Trap
When we refuse to forgive, we fall into the same trap as the unforgiving servant. We gladly accept mercy for ourselves while denying it to others.
This double standard hinders our spiritual growth and damages relationships.
What Would Jesus Do?
Jesus lived forgiveness. He died on the cross so we could receive the priceless gift of grace.
When we struggle to forgive, we can return to His teachings, including the Lord’s Prayer, for guidance and strength.
For more Bible lessons, encouragement, and resources, visit Making Christ Known.
Love in Christ,
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the life-changing love of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to learn more.
*Verses from New American Standard Bible (NASB).
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