Joel M Bradshaw

23“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25And 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. 26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’27And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.–Matthew 18, with emphasis

Most people reading the story focus on the unmerciful servant. This was Jesus’ intended point, so this of course is not bad. I however want to focus on Jesus’ secondary lesson for us–A little child should mimic Daddy, and Daddy is a forgiver.

This chapter begins with the command to change and become like little children. The servant had a debt so huge he would never be able to repay. My kids especially when they were babies sometimes got themselves into such messes that they couldn’t clean it up. They required Mommy or Daddy to not only help get them clean, but also to clean up the mess they made. As parents, we do so out of love and compassion.

I underlined two things in the text. God’s desire to settle accounts and his desire to show compassion. The word for that desire was used 3 other times in the New Testament.

 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:32-34)

 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mark 9:21-22)

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” (Mark 1:40-41)

All were helpless and completely dependent upon the mercy and grace of Jesus. That’s the humble, faith attitude required of a child of God. But behold the compassion! Ours is not a God who begrudgingly cares, but actually desires to do so. We focus on the receiver and the amount, and we should. But focus also on the Giver of such great compassion. The one who desires to settle the account. The only one who truly can. Great is his faithfulness!–JMB