Lesson 1 - The Fishers of Men Ministries

lesson 14FORGIVENESS & GRACEMoney Lender & 2 Debtors Lk 7:36-50King & 2 Slaves Mt 18:21-35Landowner & Laborers Mt 20:1-16I. Background to the Parables1. Contexta. Jesus’ parable is His response to Simon’s doubts and wonder that Jesus,allegedly a prophet, is letting a known sinner touch him, Lk 7:36-50.b. Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant is given in response to Peter’squestion in Mt 18:21 and what Peter thinks is his own very generous answer.c. Jesus’ parable of the landowner and laborers was given to clarify his statement,“The last shall be first…,” Mt 19:30, 20:15-16.2. Definitions/Cultural Insightsa. “Good” Jews did not associate with “bad” people, Lk 5:30, 7:39, 15:2, 19:7,Acts 11:2-3.b. Hospitality customs called for greeting and honoring your guests withfootwashing, a kiss, and refreshing oil.c. Denarii: a day’s waged. The Jewish rabbis (teachers) of Peter’s time taught a person was to be forgiven3 times, no more!e. Day laborers were hired in the morning and paid at sunset, as the Law ofMoses said, Deut 24:15; Lev 19:13.II. Understanding the Parables1. Simon the Pharisee understood Jesus’ parable, the one who loves the most is theone who understands he has been graciously forgiven most.2. In Mt 18, Jesus again taught that the kingdom is a place of forgiveness, andthat personal forgiveness carries a responsibility.a. When pleaded with, the Lord forgave his slave who had a debt impossible torepay.b. That slave, even though begged, refused to forgive his debtor.c. The Lord heard of the first slave’s failure to forgive (wickedness) and punishedhim.