“If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!”
2 Corinthians 3:9
Even within our churches, there is a tendency to downplay sin, calling it a mistake or a misstep. There is a reluctance to recognize how it separates us from God and creates a debt we cannot repay.
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus directly addressed this. The king in the story settled debts with his servants. One servant owed him 10,000 talents, an astronomical amount of money for a common man, an amount totaling several lifetimes’ worth of wages. The servant audaciously told the king that he’d pay him back if he’d give him just a little more time. The king forgave his debt. But then the servant found someone who owed him a debt worth 100 days’ wages and had the man thrown in jail. What appalling ingratitude! What disregard for the mercy he’d been shown!
We can easily convert the details of this parable into our own lives and see what an affront it is to God to spurn His gift of forgiveness. Remember, our sin debt is so enormous we can hardly imagine it. But the Lord’s forgiveness and love for us are greater still.
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus directly addressed this. The king in the story settled debts with his servants. One servant owed him 10,000 talents, an astronomical amount of money for a common man, an amount totaling several lifetimes’ worth of wages. The servant audaciously told the king that he’d pay him back if he’d give him just a little more time. The king forgave his debt. But then the servant found someone who owed him a debt worth 100 days’ wages and had the man thrown in jail. What appalling ingratitude! What disregard for the mercy he’d been shown!
We can easily convert the details of this parable into our own lives and see what an affront it is to God to spurn His gift of forgiveness. Remember, our sin debt is so enormous we can hardly imagine it. But the Lord’s forgiveness and love for us are greater still.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 18:21-35
Insight
“Only those who have learned well to be … confounded with shame at their wretchedness truly understand the Christian gospel.” (John Calvin, 1540)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Samuel 5-6
- Psalm 138
- Philippians 1-2
