1. Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
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part of the David C Cook
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Colorado 80918
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Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Lesson 5

2. Lesson Outline Introduction A. No Limits B. Lesson Background
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. No Limits B. Lesson Background

3. Unlimited Forgiveness
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Unlimited Forgiveness
A mother loaned her daughter her car to drive to her daily methadone treatment that was helping her overcome an addiction.
Running late, the daughter was speeding to the appointment in a downpour, hydroplaned, hit a concrete barrier, and totaled the car. She emerged unhurt.
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4. Unlimited Forgiveness
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Unlimited Forgiveness
In spite of the daughter’s remorse and sincere apology, it took a while for the mother to forgive and move on from the loss of her car.
When have you experienced a significant loss in your life caused by the indifference, negligence, or malice of someone else?
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5. Unlimited Forgiveness
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Unlimited Forgiveness
Pick a loss where you can say, “I used to have ____________, which was very valuable to me, but because of what [not real name] said or did, I will never have it again.”
Share this experience with another class member. Include your emotional reaction when you remember that experience.
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6. Unlimited Forgiveness
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Unlimited Forgiveness
Some losses are harder to forgive than others.
Yet Jesus tells a parable that demonstrates why it is so important for us to forgive others, no matter what they have done to us.
Let’s see what that reason is.
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7. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Lesson Outline
I. Posing a Problem (Matthew 18:21, 22) A. Peter’s Question (v. 21) B. Jesus’ Answer (v. 22)

8. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Request / Response
A series of requests and responses occurs in today’s text.
Identify each request and describe the response given.
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9. Request / Response Read Matthew 18:21, 22. Request from Peter:
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Request / Response
Read Matthew 18:21, 22.
Request from Peter:
“Tell me how many times I am to forgive someone. Seven times?”
Response from Jesus:
“Not 7, but 70 times 7 (or 77 times)”—that is, unlimited forgiveness.
Have half of the class provide each request, and the other half provide each response.
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10. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
What Do You Think?
What steps can we take to resist keeping score when it comes to extending forgiveness?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When wronged by a family member
When wronged by someone at church
When wronged by a stranger
Other 10

11. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
As we become willing to forgive without limits, how do we protect ourselves from being taken advantage of?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
By family members
By coworkers
By strangers
Other 11

12. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
II. Presenting a Parable (Matthew 18:23-35) A. Servant’s Crisis (vv ) B. King’s Compassion (vv.26, 27) C. Servant’s Cruelty (vv ) D. King’s Condemnation (vv ) E. Jesus’ Challenge (v. 35)

13. Request / Response Read Matthew 18:23-25. Request of king to servants:
Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Request / Response
Read Matthew 18:23-25.
Request of king to servants:
“Repay everything you owe me.”
Response from king to servant with an immense debt:
“Pay me, or you and your family will be sold as slaves.”
Have half of the class provide each request, and the other half provide each response.
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14. Request / Response Read Matthew 18:26, 27. Request of servant:
Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Request / Response
Read Matthew 18:26, 27.
Request of servant:
“Be patient, and I will repay you.”
Response from king to servant:
“I am merciful; your immense debt is forgiven.”
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15. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What can you do to stay mindful of how much God has forgiven you?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When a confrontation is imminent
When alone in prayer
Taking into account your own temperament
Other 15

16. Request / Response Read Matthew 18:28-30.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Request / Response
Read Matthew 18:28-30.
Request of forgiven servant to debtor:
“Pay me the small amount of money you owe me.”
Response of debtor:
“Have patience, and I will pay you.”
Response of forgiven servant:
“No, you are going to prison!”
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17. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
What Do You Think?
What lessons have you learned from times you were unwilling to forgive?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding impact on physical health
Regarding impact on spiritual health
Regarding impact on relationships
Other 17

18. Request / Response Read Matthew 18:31-35.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Request / Response
Read Matthew 18:31-35.
Request of fellow servants to master:
“Listen to what your servant did to his debtor.”
Response of master:
“Deliver him to the jailers until he pays all his debt.”
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19. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
Without giving advice, how would you counsel a friend who hesitates to forgive?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Considering the nature of the wrong
Considering the nature of the relationship between the two individuals
Considering the difference between forgiveness and consequences
Considering the extent of forgiveness your friend has received from Jesus
Considering repentance or lack thereof 19

20. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Horizontal Visual
Start a discussion by asking, “If forgiveness is the key, then what is being locked or unlocked?”

21. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. From Parable to Real Life B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

22. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Debts and Debtors
All of us who have had our sins forgiven can identify with the servant who had an immense debt, far beyond what he could ever repay.
As we think about what Jesus did for us, how should we respond to other people in our lives who need our forgiveness?
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Photo: © Sin Stafford / DigitalVision / Thinkstock® 22

23. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Debts and Debtors
Can you think of three people right now who owe you something?
The debt can be of various kinds:
A debt of money that they owe you
A debt of an explanation for something that happened
A debt of an apology for mistreatment
Click to add notes
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24. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Debts and Debtors
How will you work toward reconciliation with each of your debtors?
As you remember how much Christ has forgiven you, how will that make it easier for you to forgive others?
Click to add notes
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25. Thought to Remember The master teacher is also the master forgiver.
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Thought to Remember
The master teacher is also the master forgiver.

26. Jesus criticizes unjust leaders
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Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Next Week’s Lesson
Jesus criticizes unjust leaders