Introduction // 5 minutes
What are some close calls in your life?
Leader Note: Have your group think about a time when they should have been in trouble but got out of it somehow.
Observation // 10 minutes
Read Matthew 18:21-35
What do you learn about the master?
Commentary: There are a few key terms in the story. “Seventy-seven times” denotes a limitless number or a lifestyle of forgiveness. The word “talent” literally means millions of dollars so the servant’s debt could have been in the billions of dollars. The word “denarii” is used to mean a few dollars or one day’s wage. The idea is the contrast between the extreme amount of debt that was forgiven by the master and the small amount that was not forgiven by the servant.
Sample answers may include
- His servant owed him a huge debt (v. 24) and was not able to pay it (vv. 25-26)
- The master took pity on the servant, canceled the debt, and let him go (v. 27)
- There was an expectation for the servant to show mercy to others (v. 32)
What do you learn about the servant?
- He was not able to pay the debt (v. 25)
- After being shown mercy, he demanded the few dollars owed him from a fellow servant (v. 28)
- He did not forgive the small debt (v. 30) and it cost him (v. 34)
Understanding // 10 minutes
What does it mean to forgive and where have you seen it practiced?
Leader Note: When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive his brother, Jesus replied, “Seventy-seven times,” which means there is no limit. However, there is a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness takes one person but reconciliation takes two. With that in mind, help your group to understand the response of forgiveness to wrong doing and how it is different than reconciliation.
What is the cost of forgiveness? What is the cost of not forgiving?
Leader Note: In Jesus’ story, it cost the master millions of dollars to cancel the debt. It is important to understand there is always a cost associated with forgiveness. There is also a cost of not extending forgiveness which can include bitterness, isolation, blame, denial, and un-healed wounds. Help your group understand the cost of both sides.
Application // 15 minutes
Where are you not extending forgiveness? What is it costing you?
What are some steps you could take to move closer toward letting it go?
Leader Note: When we extend forgiveness, it can be an emotional experience. As a leader, be ready to lean in, listen, and allow the Holy Spirit to work.
Live It Out // 5 minutes
Imagine the impact on our world if we were the people that extended forgiveness to others when we have been wronged? It could set us free and show the world forgiveness is available for them too!
Prayer: Spend time thanking God for the forgiveness we find in placing our trust in His Son, Jesus. Pray that you would be mindful of the areas where you are harboring un-forgiveness. Pray that God would fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you might continually extend forgiveness and in the process be transformed into the likeness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.