In this beautiful message centered around forgiveness, Pastor Chan teaches through Matthew 18:21-35.
READ TOGETHER: Matthew 18:21-35
DISCUSS: How would you describe Peter's question to Jesus in verse 21? What in the preceding context prompted his question? What view of forgiveness does Peter's question reveal? / What Jesus' reply (verse 22) reveal about His view of forgiveness? / The first servant's debt was 10,000 talents. What does this debt represent? / What do you think is being taught about the nature of the servant's punishment in verse 34? Does the master's anger symbolize God's wrath? Why or why not?
PRAY: Take time to thank God for His forgiveness. Pray for His help in forgiving those who have hurt or mistreated you.
PRACTICE: Gratitude: put yourself in this parable. See yourself standing before God, see His generous mercy toward you, and see Him forgiving you completely. Express genuine gratitude toward God. / Compassion: change the ending of the parable. See yourself meeting people who are "indebted" to you. Feel the joy of replacing your anger and hurt with compassion.
DIVE DEEPER: Read Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37-38, James 2:13, James 3:14, Proverbs 21:2, and Revelation 2:23. What do the verses above teach about God's mercy toward us, and our responsibility to extend mercy to others?