The
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:23-35
A Contemporary
Paraphrase by Charles Henderson
[23] Therefore God's domain may be
compared to a corporate CEO who wished to settle accounts with his employees.
[24] When he began the reckoning, one appeared in his office who owed him
ten million dollars; [25] and as he could not pay, the CEO instructed his
lawyers to begin debt collection proceedures, impounding all his possessions if
necessary, so that the entire debt could be paid. [26] The employee fell
on his knees, imploring him, "I beg you, have patience with me, and I will
pay you everything." [27] Out of pity alone the CEO let the man go, forgiving
the entire debt. [28] But that same employee, as he went out, came upon one
of his co-workers who owed him a thousand dollars; and seizing him by the
throat he said, "Pay what you owe." [29] So his fellow employee
fell down and pleaded, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you."
[30] He refused and immediately pressed charges in court for the payment of
the debt. [31] When the other workers saw what had taken place, they were
greatly distressed, and they reported to the CEO all that had taken place.
[32] Then the CEO called his employee into his office and said, "You evil
person! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me; [33] should
not you have had mercy on your fellow employee, as I had mercy on you?"
[34] In anger the CEO called the security police to have him thrown out of the
office immediately, subjecting him to the full penalties of the law, until the
entire debt should be paid. [35] So also God will do to every one of you,
if you do not forgive your fellow human beings from your heart."
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The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and is the author of God and Science (John Knox Press, 1986).
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here. God and Science (Hypertext Edition,
2015).
He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion: Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2017).
Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.
