What does Matthew 18:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:28 portrays the inconsistency and lack of compassion of a servant who, after being forgiven a great debt by his master, refuses to show the same mercy to his fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount.

The hundred pence (denarii in Greek) was a relatively modest sum compared to the astronomical debt the first servant had been forgiven by his master.

When the servant aggressively demands payment from his debtor, he illustrates the human tendency to forget the grace we have received when dealing with others.

This verse challenges readers to reflect on their ability to exhibit forgiveness and mercy, especially in light of the forgiveness they themselves may have received.

Historical Context

Matthew 18:28 is part of a parable told by Jesus to his disciples during his ministry around the first century in the Roman-occupied land of Judea.

The historical context of this verse encompasses the societal and economic conditions of the Roman Empire, where debt was a common part of life and could result in servitude or prison.

The denarius mentioned in the verse was the standard Roman silver coin of the day and was worth approximately one day's wage for a laborer.

The parable addresses themes of forgiveness and community relations among the early Christian communities.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse exemplifies a few key Christian principles:

Divine Mercy: It suggests that the mercy provided by God, represented by the master's forgiveness of the large debt, is meant to serve as a model for human behavior. 2.

Human Accountability: The actions of the unforgiving servant highlight a failure to emulate God's forgiveness and a lapse in moral judgment. 3.

Justice of God: The ultimate consequences for the unforgiving servant suggest that God’s justice will address those who refuse to show mercy.

Different Christian traditions may emphasize varying aspects of this teaching.

For example, Catholic theology would use this verse to teach about the necessity of practicing the corporal works of mercy, while Protestant interpretations might focus on the grace bestowed by God and the expectation to live a life reflecting that grace.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder to practice forgiveness in personal lives, mirroring the mercy that one seeks from God or others.

It encourages self-reflection on whether one holds grudges or fails to forgive minor slights while expecting forgiveness for larger transgressions.

The verse can also apply to societal contexts, advocating for restorative rather than punitive justice systems that focus on rehabilitation and forgiveness.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
• Luke 17:3-4: "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

• Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
• Colossians 3:13: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words are:

• “Fellow servant” (σύνδουλος - syndoulos): implying a person of equal status and a reminder of shared servitude under the same master.
• “Hundred pence” (ἑκατόν δηνάρια - hekaton denaria): a hundred denarii would be about a third of a year's wages for a daily worker.
• “Laid hands on him” (ἐπικρατήσας - epikratesas): signifying aggression, indicating the unforgiving servant physically assaulted his fellow servant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the concept of debt and its forgiveness was common.

The Year of Jubilee in Jewish tradition, described in Leviticus 25, was a time when debts were forgiven and slaves freed.

This cultural practice shows the recurring theme of forgiveness and economic resetting in various religious contexts.

The story from Matthew also taps into universal human themes of mercy, justice, and societal expectations for behavior within a group.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological perspective, this verse resonates with the concept of cognitive dissonance, where someone holds contradictory beliefs or behaviors (forgiven much but not forgiving little).

Psychological studies show that forgiveness can lead to healthier mental states and interpersonal relations, highlighting the practical benefits of the behaviors espoused in the parable.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various interpretations and applications of Matthew 18:28. For instance:

• John Calvin saw this passage as an illustration of man's innate ungrateful nature and the necessity of divine assistance in adopting a forgiving spirit.
• William Barclay emphasized the disproportion between the two debts, suggesting the absurdity of the servant's lack of mercy.
• Contemporary applications by various preachers and theologians often use this story to talk about social justice and the importance of extending grace in personal and societal relationships.