Daily Writing

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Matthew 18:32

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Then, having summoned him, his lord, he says to him, ‘Evil servant!’ All the indebtedness that I forgave you thereupon you implored me.” (CG)

In the previous verse, the co-servants were grieved over what they saw in the unforgiving servant and reported it to their lord. Jesus next says, “Then, having summoned him, his lord.”

Nothing is said of how this occurred or what returning to the lord’s house was like, but after seeing this servant’s attitude, one could imagine him walking to the lord’s house smugly thinking, “Man, life is good. He must want to promote me or something.”

We are dealing with a person whose screws are certainly loose for him to have acted the way he did. Whatever he was thinking, the narrative continues, saying, “he says to him, ‘Evil servant!’”

Well, whatever Servant Sam was thinking, good or ill, he now knows things are not going to go well. With his lack of properly firing synapses, he may still not know what he has done wrong. Reaching into his memory, he may be pulling up nothing but how great he is. However, as the master continues, things will fall into clarity. And so, the master continues, “All the indebtedness that I forgave you.”

A new word is seen here, opheilé, indebtedness. It signifies a sum owed. It is, as HELPS Word Studies says, an “applied obligation.” He had stood before the master, imploring him to be patient, and he would pay back the entire sum. The master instead released him and forgave the debt. The reason for this is “thereupon you implored me.”

A second new word is seen, epei, thereupon. It is derived from epi, upon, and ei, a conditional particle meaning if, whether, that, etc. Thereupon signifies “immediately,” or “shortly after that.” The words since or because are close in thought, but the servant had not asked for forgiveness of the debt, only for patience and time for him to do so.

Instead of that, the master magnanimously forgave the entire debt thereupon, or at that time. By this point, the servant may be waking up to the plight he is in. His feelings of grandeur and “being in tight” with the boss have probably begun to fade. By the time the master is through, he will find himself in a terrible plight.

Life application: Think about what is happening here as we continue through the rest of the parable. A person owes an immensely whopping debt. He cannot pay it, begs for time and patience, and yet, the master forgives the whole debt. If the debt is forgiven, it is forgiven. But Jesus says that this lesson is to be likened unto the kingdom of the heavens.

How can the kingdom of the heavens provide forgiveness of something and then demand more? That sounds like the horrifying doctrine of the Roman Catholic church. They say that Jesus is the Savior, but they then go on to say for those who believe, “that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ’s sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified; let him be anathema.”

In other words, Jesus saves, but we need to keep saving ourselves after being saved. That is not what the Bible teaches. But that is how this parable is taken by most commentators, even if they deny they do so. Is that the kingdom of the heavens? Think about what is going on.

Is what Jesus did fully sufficient to save and keep on saving? Are believers justified by faith alone? Are the sanctified and glorified from the moment of belief, as Paul says, or is what he says incorrect? Think through the audience, contemplate what they are being told, and then consider it in light of the epistles.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

Lord God, may we boast in nothing but the precious blood of Jesus for our justification. May we irradiate with the thought of His internment with our sin. And may we rejoice and revel in the resurrection that assures us of the surety of His mighty deeds, done on our behalf. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.   Matthew 18:31

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having beheld, ‘co-servants, himself’, these having occurred, they grieved exceedingly, and having come, they expounded to ‘lord, themselves’ all the ‘having occurred’.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus continued the parable of the unforgiving servant, noting that he had his co-servant thrown into prison until the debt was paid. He continues, saying, “And having beheld, ‘co-servants, himself’, these having occurred, they grieved exceedingly.”

It is apparent that they were closely attached to the servant who was cast into prison. Rather than being angry at what occurred, they were grieved. It may be that they also felt betrayed by the conduct of the unforgiving servant, knowing that if it were they who owed him money, they would now be in the same position as their co-servant.

Because of this unhappy situation, Jesus continues, saying, “and having come, they expounded to ‘lord, themselves’.”

The use of the reflexive pronoun, “the lord of themselves,” along with the previous reflexive pronoun, ‘co-servants, himself’, shows identity with both their lord and the affected co-servant.

The word demonstrates a confidence that their lord would handle the matter as if it were any of them who had been treated in this manner. As such, they went and told him, “all the ‘having occurred’.” What took place is carefully recounted to their lord for him to know and act on.

Life application: The issue at hand is that of an outstanding debt. Nothing has been said by either the unforgiving servant or the co-servant about asking forgiveness of the debt itself when they were presented with the need to pay it back. If the lord forgave the debt of his servant, it was of his own volition, not by some unspecified obligation.

To take the words of this parable, therefore, and to equate them to some type of moral offense against another and then say that Christians must forgive their brother of such an offense, especially without his repentance, is to take the entire parable out of its intended context.

But this is the attitude that almost all Christians have been led to believe is necessary, at all times and in all circumstances. That is entirely incorrect. When a monetary debt is owed, it is to be paid. If the one who is owed decides to forgive the debt, that is his choice, but the Bible does not mandate it.

In the instances where the forgiveness of debt is mandated, meaning the year of release noted in Deuteronomy 15, it is to be remembered that Deuteronomy is a part of the Law of Moses. It is a law that never applied to any other group of people than Israel, and it is a law that was replaced by the New Covenant for those who come to Christ.

As for other offenses, they must be handled in accordance with how forgiveness is laid out in the rest of Scripture. God does not “forgive” everybody unconditionally. Those who acknowledge their wrongs and come to Christ Jesus for forgiveness will be forgiven. Those who do not will not be forgiven.

God does not hold His people to a higher standard than Himself. Understand that the “Christians must forgive everybody for all offenses” teaching is untrue. It is often damaging to those who are told it applies to them.

Hold fast to sound doctrine. Forgive others in a manner that is biblical. Don’t be made to feel guilty if you hold resentment towards those who have offended you. When they come and acknowledge their wrongdoing, talk it over, forgive, and move on. But until they do, you are under no obligation to let them walk all over you.

Lord God, give us wisdom in how we handle ourselves around those who are offensive, rude, and who purposefully malign or otherwise degrade us. Through it all, though, help us to remember that we are Christians and we must do what is right to bring honor to Your name. Amen.

Monday, 13 April 2026

And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.  Matthew 18:30

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And he would not. But having departed, he cast him into prison until that he should pay the ‘owing’.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the co-servant falling down at the feet of the unforgiving servant, begging for patience so that he could repay his debt. The narrative continues with, “And he would not.”

The words are stated entirely without concern. Here we have just the opposite reaction to when he begged for the same relief –

²⁷And having gut-wrenched, the lord of that servant, he dismissed him.
³⁰And he would not.

We’re dealing with an uncaring buffoon here. That continues to be seen in the next words, “But having departed, he cast him into prison.” Based on what happened to him just a short time earlier, it is hard to imagine the thinking.

Even if he wasn’t shown mercy, one would think he would be willing to set up a payment plan or something, but some people are incorrigible. They see a situation that could cause harm or distress to others and, without a care in the world, they press on. Where this type of thinking comes from is disturbing to consider. As for the poor co-servant, he was left to rot in prison, “until that he should pay the ‘owing’.”

This would be a miserable existence. If he were bought as a child, he would have no family to care for him or help get him out. If he wasn’t a great servant, or if his master was a creep too, he would receive no help from him. Would friends be willing to save up for his release? The situation would be depressing and seemingly hopeless.

Life application: It is hard to go through life without offending someone. In fact, sometimes it can be hard to go through a week without offending someone. But there is a difference between hard-hearted and uncaring offense and other types of offense.

There are many people who live to be offended. You will never be able to please someone like that. There are people who take offense easily because of their upbringing or inability to empathize with whatever situation occurred between them and those who unintentionally offend them.

There are times when two people will be attempting to do something nice for each other, and both others miss the significance of the act. Thus, both get offended when they should have been rejoicing at the kind deed of the other. This type of situation makes for great movies.

There are so many ways people can be offended. But there are likewise an almost infinite number of ways that people will offend. When it is intentional while also being harmful to others, that reveals a dark streak in a person. But humans are flawed people who can become insensitive to those around them.

When this happens, it doesn’t just affect the single relationship, such as a divorce, for example. The Lord sees the callous and uncaring attitude behind the act. He certainly cannot be pleased with such an attitude.

Jesus came to the earth despite an unlimited number of offenders railing against Him from day to day for thousands of years. We have ignored God, maligned Him, offended His glory through idolatry, perversion, bitterness, murder, and so forth.

If God is willing to overlook the offenses of others in hopes of us turning to Him, shouldn’t we be willing to reconcile with those who ask for it? To not do so is to fail to see the goodness of God and to act according to His nature.

Let us consider our ways and strive to overlook offenses when we are asked to do so.

Lord God, it is hard to imagine what You see in us. Humanity has been set on a constant course of disobedience and rebellion. And yet, You have overlooked these things and sent Jesus anyway. What manner of love is this?! How thankful we are for Your infinite grace and mercy. Amen.

Sunday, 12 April 2026

So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Matthew 18:29

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Having fallen, therefore, his co-servant, unto his feet, he implored him, saying, ‘You long-wrath upon me, and I will pay you.’” (CG)

In the previous verse, the servant forgiven of his immense debts found another co-servant who owed him a small amount, one that, in comparison to what he had been forgiven, was minuscule.

Having found him, the servant laid hands on him, grabbing him by the throat, demanding that he be paid back what he was owed. Jesus continues the parable, saying, “Having fallen, therefore, his co-servant, unto his feet.”

Though differently worded, it is similar to what happened to the servant –

v. 26 – Having fallen, therefore, the servant, he prostrated.

v. 29 – Having fallen, therefore, his co-servant, unto his feet.

With the event so recently occurring in his own life, one would think his brain cells would begin to fire, remembering him and his own fear before his master. The only difference is that the co-servant, being a co-servant, didn’t prostrate in honor or worship, something that would have been inappropriate to any normal thinking person. And more, Jesus continues with the words, “he implored him, saying, ‘You long-wrath upon me.’”

It is the same word that the servant himself used in verse 26. In fact, the word was introduced into the New Testament at that time, making this only the second use. The use, therefore, is purposeful to highlight the situation –

v. 26 – Lord, you long-wrath upon me.

v. 29 – You long-wrath upon me.

The parallels by Jesus highlight what lies ahead. The only difference in this clause is that the co-servant, being a co-servant, didn’t call him “lord,” something that would have been inappropriate to any normal-brained person. With that, the co-servant has one more thought to convey, saying, “and I will pay you.”

It is almost the same statement that the servant made just a short time earlier –

v. 26 – and all, I will pay you.

v. 29 – and I will pay you.

The only difference is that the servant promised to pay “all” to his master. Being such an immense amount, it was a note of confidence that the sum could be paid. For the co-servant, it was not necessary. Though it would have been difficult to earn such money, it would be within the realm of possibility.

And more, he could also petition friends or family to help. A little time would see the matter through. His words would have been satisfactory to anyone with a moderately functioning amount of gray matter and who had only recently been in the same situation.

Life application: As so often is seen throughout Scripture, Jesus’ wording is precise and carefully chosen to highlight the situation. Only someone with a god complex would determine to have a co-servant prostrate before him, call him Lord, and promise to pay “all” when the amount was so insignificant compared to his own previous debt.

And yet, this wicked servant is being presented this way by Jesus, setting up the narrative even before its completion, that there is something amiss about this fellow. Pay attention to such things as you read the Bible. Parallelism is a strong tool to help understand the intent of what is being expressed.

But such things will not normally pop out to a person on a first or second read through. It takes time, effort, and familiarity with the text to grasp these nuances. In other words, read your Bible. Read it again and again. As you do, it will become more familiar to you, and you will start to see things you never saw before. So, get at it!

Lord God, help us to be wise with the time You have given us. May we enter into fellowship with You daily through prayer, through Your word, and through rejoicing in You as we contemplate the goodness around us that You have created. Yes, may we do these things! Amen.

Saturday, 11 April 2026

“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ Matthew 18:28

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And the servant, that, having withdrawn, he found one of his co-servants who he owed him a hundred denarii, and having seized him, he choked him, saying, ‘You pay me any you owe.’” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus continued the parable of the unforgiving servant, noting that his master forgave his debt. He continues now, saying, “And the servant, that, having withdrawn.”

The meaning is that having been released from custody, he withdrew from the presence of his master a free man. In this state, and probably very relieved concerning his situation, it next says that “he found one of his co-servants.”

A new word is seen, sundoulos, a co-servant. It is comprised of sun, with or along (the word denotes union), and doulos, a slave, and thus a servant. As such, these two are on an equal standing within the society. However, the words continue, saying, “who he owed him a hundred denarii.”

Another new word is used, the verb opheiló, to owe. It refers to monetary obligation, but figuratively, it can refer to one’s obligation, meaning what should or must be done.

A denarius was equal to about a day’s wages. A hundred denarii would thus be worth a bit more than three months’ wages. It isn’t chump change, but it is also whoppingly less than the amount he owed his master in the previous verses. Vincent’s Word Studies says, “Less than a millionth part of his own debt.”

Without saying why this servant takes the next action, Jesus continues, saying, “and having seized him, he choked him, saying, ‘You pay me any you owe.’”

What would prompt him to act in this way can only be speculated, but the fact is, he owed his own master a huge sum of money. It was more than any servant could ever pay off. As such, he was a money-waster. Further, if this guy owed him money, it quite probably came from his own debt. Three months’ pay for a servant, especially if he was a bonded servant, would be hard to earn.

Everything about this smacks of a person who is irresponsible. Adding in the poor treatment of his co-servant, he is also an uncaring buffoon. And yet, he is not done with his buffoonery, as will be seen in the coming verses.

Life application: It is easy to quickly forget about unpleasant circumstances, tough times, unhappy events, and so forth. Our minds tend to repress such things quickly. In the case of this servant, he was just forgiven a giant amount, and yet he is like the dog who rushes to his vomit, not considering how different his life was just a short time earlier.

It is good to remember who we were and where we came from in relation to our time with Jesus. To forget our past sin will easily lead to us treating other sinners who need Jesus with contempt, as if we were so much better than they are.

This is true with nations. Going to a nation that is filled with poverty, you will see people who appreciate the small things in life. They are generally humbler and accept things with a much different attitude than wealthier countries.

However, if that poor country suddenly becomes wealthy, something that happens from time to time, a sense of arrogance builds in the nation as the old challenges are quickly forgotten. This has happened to Asian, Eastern European, Latin American, and South American nations in the past century.

They no longer have the humble attitude that was once evident among the people. In our lives, we should try to remember our roots, consider others better than ourselves, and be willing to help others towards reconciliation with Jesus, just as someone once took the time to do with us.

Proper doctrine is good and honorable, but we all started with no doctrine at all. So, we should likewise have a gentle attitude towards those who are at a different level of Christian understanding in their walk with the Lord. Such things are good and right as we live our lives in the presence of God.

Lord God, may we be kind, caring, and patient with others. Even if we have more money, knowledge, ability, etc., than they do, the fact is that others excel us in those ways as well. May we strive for the betterment of ourselves and others always. To Your glory. Amen.