Thursday, June 05, 2008

A Tale of Two Servants

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.


But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.


When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”


Matt 18:23-35 (ESV)


This parable gives the contrast between two servants and the debts they owed. The first one owed an enormous debt to the king while the second owed a minuscule amount in comparison to his fellow servant.


A few questions for consideration:


Does anyone dispute that both of these servants depicted here signify believers in Christ?


What does it mean to be delivered to the torturers?


Did the first servant "losing" his master's forgiveness imply a loss of salvation? How could he possibly remedy his grevious situation?

2 comments:

Matthew Celestine said...

"Does anyone dispute that both of these servants depicted here signify believers in Christ?"

Presumably, seeing as they were both forgiven of their original debt.

"What does it mean to be delivered to the torturers?"

Chastening on earth.

Have you ever met Christians who harbour unforgiveness who seem happy and contented?

Only Look said...

"Have you ever met Christians who harbour unforgiveness who seem happy and contented?"

Wow! I was just thinking...that is the perfect liberal democrat position. Always blaming the standing conservative republican for all their toils and misery and acting happy about the misery they are trying to bring on us.