Book of Matthew - Chapter 18 - Verse 27

In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who owed a great debt to his master. The servant begged for mercy and the lord, moved with compassion, forgave him of the debt. This story is meant to illustrate the importance of forgiveness and compassion. Just as the master showed mercy to his servant, we are also called to show kindness and forgiveness to others. The act of forgiveness is a powerful demonstration of love and grace, reflecting the forgiveness that God extends to us. It serves as a reminder of the importance of letting go of grudges and resentments, and instead choosing to offer forgiveness and compassion to those who have wronged us. Through this parable, Jesus teaches us about the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of extending grace to others.

In this verse, the phrase "the lord of that servant was moved with compassion" shows us a glimpse of the character of God, who is often portrayed as a compassionate and merciful being in the Bible. The act of forgiving the servant’s debt illustrates the theme of forgiveness that is central to the Christian faith. The Greek word used for forgiveness in this verse is "ἀφῆκεν", which denotes a releasing or a sending away of the debt, highlighting the complete cancellation of the servant's obligation. This act of forgiveness serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and mercy towards sinners. It also emphasizes the importance of extending forgiveness to others as we have been forgiven by God. The theological interpretation of this verse encourages believers to reflect on the boundless compassion and forgiveness of God and to strive to emulate these qualities in their own lives.