Matthew 18:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What could be more reprehensible than this? The words of mercy still resonated in his ears, yet he had quickly lost sight of his master’s compassion. Do you see how beneficial it is to recall one’s own transgressions? For even this debtor, had he kept his sins at the forefront of his mind, would not have acted so ruthlessly and insensitively. Hence, I continually assert, and will not stop reiterating, the importance and necessity of remembering our actions consistently. There is nothing that can cultivate the soul’s wisdom, humility, and gentleness like the persistent awareness of our sins. In this light, Paul also recalled his transgressions, not just after baptism, but prior to it as well, despite their complete forgiveness.

The one who has experienced grace emerges and overcomes adversity. Those who dwell in God cannot lack compassion; it is only those who distance themselves from God who become estranged from Him.

Given that the Almighty, ruler over all, forgives us for our gravest sins, this is illustrated through various talents. However, if we fail to extend grace to others regarding small debts, represented by a hundred denarii or minor worldly offenses, the angels appointed to us—who share in our earthly burden—will rightfully call us before God. They do not do so out of ignorance, as the all-knowing God understands all circumstances; rather, they advocate for justice, urging that those who neglect the laws of brotherly love be corrected for their own good. Should we face consequences for this, our suffering may manifest in this life through trials and afflictions, much like being at the hands of tormentors (Matthew 18:34), or it may follow in the life to come.

Observe the humanity of the authority, and now reflect on the brutality of the subordinate. As soon as he emerged, his harshness became evident, revealing itself almost instantaneously.

This parable conveys a profound lesson: anyone who harbors anger towards a neighbor and fails to extend forgiveness for their wrongdoings will not only forfeit God’s mercy regarding their own sins but will also find that their previously forgiven transgressions are recalled. In this story, the compassionate king granted pardon to a servant, but due to the servant's lack of mercy towards his fellow servant, the debt was reinstated, and he was handed over to tormentors for the suffering of his obligation.

These statements reflect the attitude of a ruthless individual. The Scripture indicates that the servant is absent. Indeed, as long as a person embodies compassion and kindness, he remains in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16); yet when he hardens his heart and becomes unmerciful, he steps away from the grace of God. The question arises, ‘Will you find one among the servants?’ What type of servants are they? Each individual is a servant of the Most High God, which is why we are referred to as servants, bound to fulfill our duties to the one Lord God.

The Lord further instructs, "The servant, upon leaving his master's residence, was still acutely aware of the kindness shown to him. He soon encountered a fellow servant who owed him a small amount, one hundred denarii. St. Chrysostom notes that this illustrates the vast disparity between transgressions against God and those against humans, akin to the difference between ten thousand talents and a mere hundred denarii, and perhaps even greater. Before humans, we are often restrained and fearful of sinning, yet in the presence of God, despite His constant observation, we feel no shame; rather, we engage in actions and speech without hesitation. The servant is described as having exited, for in his lord's presence, such insolence would have been unthinkable.

The servant went out and encountered one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ What could be more disgraceful than this? While his lord’s words of kindness were still echoing in his ears, he had already lost sight of his master’s compassion! Reflect on the importance of acknowledging one’s own sins. Had this debtor kept his transgressions firmly in mind, he would not have acted so heartlessly and cruelly. There is nothing that can instill the spirit with such peace, humility, and gentleness as the continual remembrance of our own shortcomings. By recalling them, we not only seek to erase our faults but also become more gracious towards others.

A hundred denarii: a Roman denarius was approximately equivalent to twenty of our kopecks, making a hundred denarii roughly equal to twenty of our roubles. This may illustrate how small the offenses we commit against one another are in comparison to the greater sins we commit against God. The phrase 'strangled, saying,' refers to the Roman legal practice that allowed a moneylender to inflict torture on a debtor until the debt was settled. This reflects the cruelty and malice of the servant, who showed no mercy, even when presented with a plea that could have inspired his master to show compassion.