High Cost for Getting Even

Matthew 18:21-35

Introduction

• Matthew 18:21-35

Bitterness. This comes from a word that means “sharp” and has the idea of bearing a grudge and  being resentful  and angry against someone.

Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

- Author unknown-

• Acts 8:23

Kingdom of Heaven Forgiveness is...

1. Often

• Matthew 18:21-22

• 1 Corinthians 13:5

2. A Picture of God's Forgiveness

• Matthew 18:23-27

• 1 Talent= 15 years of Work; 10,000 Talents=(10,000 x 15yrs) 150,000 years to pay off

• Matthew 18:23-27

• Psalm 103:12

• Psalm 130:3-4

3. A Picture of our Spiritual Condition

• Luke 23:24

• Matthew 18:28-35

• Hebrews 10:30

Application

Who do you need to forgive?

Warm-Up Question

Why do you think holding a grudge can feel satisfying at first—but exhausting over time?

Sermon Discussion

Read Matthew 18:21–35.

Forgiveness in the Kingdom…

1. Is Often

Read Matthew 18:21–22; 1 Corinthians 13:5

Insight: Peter thinks he’s being generous. Jesus explodes the math. “Seventy-seven times” (or seventy times seven) is not a number to track—it’s a way of saying “stop keeping score.” Paul reinforces this: love “does not keep a record of wrongs.” Bitterness, by contrast, keeps excellent records.

Why do we like limits on forgiveness?

What does it look like, practically, to “keep a record of wrongs” in family or church life?

How is repeated forgiveness different from being a doormat?

2. Reflects God’s Forgiveness

Read Matthew 18:23–27; Psalm 103:12; Psalm 130:3–4

Insight:Jesus’ numbers are intentionally absurd. 1 talent ≈ 15 years of wages. 10,000 talents ≈ 150,000 years of labor. This is not a debt problem—it’s a hopeless condition. The servant doesn’t get a payment plan; he receives mercy. God’s forgiveness is not partial, delayed, or reluctant. He removes sin “as far as the east is from the west.”

Why do we sometimes believe God forgives us less than this parable suggests?

How does remembering the size of our forgiven debt reshape how we see others’ offenses?

3. Unforgiveness Reveals a Spiritual Blind Spot

Read Luke 23:34; Matthew 18:28–35; **Hebrews 10:30

Insight: The forgiven servant’s problem isn’t ignorance—it’s forgetfulness. He forgets mercy the moment he regains power. Jesus’ warning is sobering: unforgiveness places us in spiritual danger, not because God is cruel, but because refusing mercy exposes that we haven’t truly grasped it. Bitterness is described in Acts 8:23 as a form of spiritual bondage.

Why is it easier to receive forgiveness than to extend it?

How can unforgiveness distort our view of God and others over time?

Application

What fears make forgiveness difficult right now?

Personal Reflection: Who do you need to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because God has forgiven you (This may include someone who never apologized or isn’t present.)?

What step toward forgiveness could you take this week?

Prayer

Ask God to: Expose bitterness honestly. Restore gospel perspective. Empower forgiveness through the Spirit

Take-Home Challenge

• Pray daily for the person you’re struggling to forgive.

• Release the “debt” to God—even if feelings lag behind obedience.

• Remember: forgiveness is not denying justice; it’s entrusting justice to God.