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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
23
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a king, who would take an account of his servants.
9
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Syrians, particularly those living in Palestine, commonly enhance their conversations with parables. This practice allows listeners to understand that which cannot be grasped through straightforward commands, instead using metaphors and illustrations. Therefore, the Lord utilized the analogy of a king and master alongside that of a servant who, by earnestly seeking his master's favor, received forgiveness for an enormous debt of ten thousand talents. He instructed Peter to extend similar mercy to his fellow servants, who may have offended him in far less significant ways. Indeed, if the master could forgive such a colossal debt with ease, how much more ought the servants to forgive each other for lesser transgressions. To clarify this point, let us consider an example: should one among us commit serious sins, such as adultery, murder, or sacrilege—far graver than the debt of ten thousand talents—these sins are forgiven if the offenders themselves choose to pardon those who have wronged them in minor ways. Conversely, if we remain embittered enemies due to an affront or hold onto grudges provoked by harsh words, wouldn’t it be just for us to be held accountable and face consequences for our own serious transgressions? I am aware that some interpret the debtor of ten thousand talents as representing the devil, whose wife and children, signifying a lack of rationality and wicked thoughts, would be sold if he continues in his sinful ways. Just as wisdom is depicted as the spouse of the righteous, foolishness embodies the unrighteous and sinful. Yet, in this context, how could the Lord pardon such a massive debt while refusing to forgive us, his servants, for a mere hundred denarii? Such an interpretation cannot be reconciled with sound ecclesiastical understanding or with the judgment of reasonable individuals."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The distinction between offenses against God and those against humanity is immense, surpassing even the comparison of ten thousand talents to a mere hundred denarii. This profound disparity is rooted in both the nature of those involved and the relentless recurrence of such transgressions. While we may feel restrained and fearful of wrongdoing in the presence of others, we often act without shame before God, who observes us daily. Rather, we engage in actions and speak freely, unburdened by fear."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Why? Because it is essential to forgive those who continually seek repentance. The kingdom of heaven speaks of Christ as the divine Sovereign, a truth we have frequently emphasized. In this parable, He illustrates that one who withholds forgiveness from those who have wronged him ultimately denies himself the grace of God."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"This parable imparts the lesson of extending forgiveness to our fellow servants for their transgressions against us, especially when they humbly plead for mercy. Only those who possess the mind of Christ can thoughtfully analyze this parable in its various elements. Yet, let us take the courage to explore it. The kingdom represents the Word of God, a realm not of this world but of heaven. It is compared to a king, who, in His incarnation for our benefit, took on the form of humanity. As a just judge, He examines the deeds of His servants, administering accountability without inflicting punishment indiscriminately, for that would be an act of cruelty."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"When we convey ideas that differ from what we truly wish to discuss, but still address similar concepts, such expressions are referred to as parables or illustrative words. A parable serves as a likeness or representation. Our Lord Jesus Christ utilized parables to reflect the prophecies concerning Him, as recorded by the holy Prophet David: \\"I will open My mouth in parables\\" (Psalm 77:2). When He spoke, He shared this parable: ‘Consider what God will do when He judges those deemed worthy and unworthy of the kingdom of heaven,’ drawing a comparison to a king who assesses the duties owed by each of his servants. Following this, He elaborated on the actions of the king regarding his indebtedness to his servants."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"This parable signifies that a person who harbors anger against their neighbor and refuses to forgive their wrongdoing will not only be denied forgiveness from God, but the sins previously absolved will also be held against them once more. The compassionate king pardoned the servant's debt; however, due to the servant's lack of mercy towards his fellow servant, his debt was reinstated, and he was handed over to the tormentors for punishment related to his debt."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the apostle Peter inquired of the Lord whether he should extend forgiveness to his brother as many as seven times, he sensed within him the new commandment of love that the Lord had brought from Heaven—a love that embraces and forgives all. However, he had yet to grasp the profound truth that the strength of love surpasses enmity, and as such, it cannot be constrained by limits. When God instructs humanity to forgive their brethren, there is no room for debate regarding one's rights; forgiveness must be given freely, without justification or precondition, for every individual stands as a debtor to God Himself. \\n\\nSt. John Chrysostom explains that to ensure the command to forgive seventy times seven does not appear daunting, Jesus Christ presented a parable that exposes those who might pride themselves on their willingness to forgive, while demonstrating that this command is not burdensome, but indeed quite attainable. In this parable, Christ reveals His own humanity, indicating that even if one forgives their neighbor countless times, the distance between that forgiveness and the boundless divine goodness needed at the future Judgment—when an account shall be required—will be as insignificant as a single drop in relation to the vast ocean, and even less.\\n\\nTo help Peter comprehend why the Lord advocates for limitless forgiveness, the Lord remarked, \\"the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants who owed him considerable wealth.\\" Here, the Lord portrays Himself as the King to whom \\"all authority in heaven and on earth has been given\\" (Matthew 28:18), seated on a throne in Heaven with the Earth as His footstool. His subjects encompass all of creation, especially those of us who believe in Him, redeemed by His Precious Blood, and obliged to adhere to His commandments and life-giving directives.\\n\\nPrior to His Last Judgment, whenever He chooses, He may require from us an account of our every thought, desire, word, and action, and we must be perpetually prepared to present this account. He summons us to such examination through the proclamation of His law, through various afflictions, tribulations, illnesses, and perils that bring us face to face with the reality of death and the conscience’s judgment. He instills in us the awareness that we cannot stand justified before Him amidst our many transgressions, that our sins are more numerous than the strands of hair upon our heads, leaving us with but one recourse: to bow before His boundless goodness and implore His mercy and forgiveness."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a scenario involving a king (see Matt. 13:24); or alternatively, God treats the members of His church similarly to how a certain monarch interacted with his servants. The central message of this parable is that for a Christian to attain God's forgiveness for their transgressions, they must also extend forgiveness to those who have wronged them. Failure to forgive will result in God withholding His forgiveness, leading to significant consequences for their sins (refer to Matt. 6:14-15). \\n\\nThe phrase \\"to reckon with his servants\\" illustrates the king as a creditor to whom his servants owe specified amounts. Similarly, humanity owes everything to God and should repay Him through righteous actions; however, they frequently sin and, as a result, become indebted to Him. While some people may owe less and others more, every individual is indebted in totality. \\"To reckon\\" signifies the act of calling for the repayment of a debt. This demand for payment will manifest primarily at the terrifying judgment of Christ and during the personal judgment at each person's death. It also occurs throughout one's earthly life through the various trials and discipline that God imposes."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To clarify for Peter and the other apostles the necessity of such forgiveness, Jesus quickly shared a parable. The following interpretation derives from John Chrysostom's Discourse on the Parable of the Debtor. \\n\\nIn the Parable of the Unmerciful Debtor, Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. This saying should not be overlooked; rather, it urges self-reflection within one's conscience about one's life choices. For those with wealth, it prompts consideration of whether their resources were spent on immoral pursuits or on aiding the less fortunate, whether they indulged in self-serving pleasures or practiced compassion, and whether their extravagance came at the expense of helping those in need. Additionally, they will not only need to justify their expenditures but also the means by which they acquired their riches: whether through honest work or through deceit and theft, whether inherited or amassed at the expense of others, particularly the vulnerable like orphans and widows.\\n\\nSimilarly, the poor must also account for how they handled their poverty: did they accept their circumstances with grace and gratitude, without succumbing to despair, complaints, or resentment against divine providence, particularly in light of others' wealth and comfort? Just as the wealthy will be questioned about their charity, the impoverished will be held accountable for their endurance and generosity, as the act of giving is not hindered by poverty. The example of the widow who offered two mites demonstrates that even the smallest contributions can surpass those of the affluent.\\n\\nAll individuals, including leaders and judges, will be called to account as well: have they upheld justice without bias or malice, have they rendered verdicts in an impartial manner, and have they avoided allowing flattery to taint their decisions? Not only civil authorities but also church leaders will be held accountable by those in authority over them, facing stringent consequences for their actions. Those entrusted with preaching the Word will have to justify whether their message was faithfully delivered or omitted due to negligence or self-satisfaction, and whether they have effectively communicated all vital truths without withholding anything beneficial.\\n\\nMoreover, accountability extends beyond actions to speech; we must reckon with the impact of careless or frivolous words, which can harm souls more profoundly than financial waste can harm one’s estate. While material losses may be recoverable, careless words once spoken cannot be retracted. Accountability also applies to our attentiveness to the words of others; for instance, have we given credence to false accusations against our neighbors? Furthermore, we are subject to judgment even for our thoughts."}]}
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