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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
31
Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came and told their lord all that was done.
10
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{"arr":[{"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":"Is the humanity of the master not clear, and is the cruelty of the servant also not obvious? Pay attention, those who act for profit! If one ought to refrain from such actions out of respect for sin, how much more should they not do so for mere gain? What did the debtor plead? Have patience with me, and I will repay you in full. Yet the man was unmoved by these words that could have saved him; for he himself had uttered similar requests and was forgiven an immense debt of ten thousand talents. He failed to remember the mercy that had rescued him from despair; the same plea did not remind him of the master's compassion. In his greed, hardness of heart, and malice, ignoring all these truths, he showed brutal disregard for his fellow servant, behaving with a cruelty rare even among the fiercest beasts. What are you doing, man? Do you not recognize your own temptation? Do you not stab yourself with a sword, turning against yourself the very mercy of your master and the forgiveness of your debts? Yet he gave no thought to it; he failed to recall any analogous situation in his own life, and thus offered no compassion to his debtor, even though the latter sought a repayment that was relatively minor. He himself had asked his lord for the forgiveness of ten thousand talents, while this fellow asked only for a hundred denarii; the former appealed to his master, while this latter addressed a peer. He received complete absolution, while the other merely sought a delay, yet he denied even this, for it is recorded: he had him thrown into prison. \\n\\nThe Scriptures continue, stating that \\"His companions, when they saw what had happened, were greatly distressed, and came and told their lord all that had transpired.\\" Not the one who was wronged (and how could he, being imprisoned?), but his companions, though not directly harmed, felt deep sorrow as if they had themselves been offended, and went to inform their lord of all that had occurred."},{"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":"Angels are depicted in this context as detesting wickedness and embracing righteousness, as they are co-laborers of God. They do not speak to the Lord as outsiders, but rather to convey that angels serve as our guardians and disapprove of cruelty towards humanity."},{"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":"The servants of the compassionate king are understandably troubled as they witness the harsh actions of one of their fellow servants. In their desire to assist the afflicted, they bring to their master the distressing news of their companion's cruel behavior. If we attribute this scenario to God and the unrepentant sinner, we must also consider the co-workers who are hurt by the lack of mercy from the unforgiving sinner and who report to their Lord the wrongdoings of their fellow worker. Angels are regarded as the companions of humanity since both angels and humans serve and honor God in parallel ways. Angels despise wickedness, which is why they mourn over our sins and celebrate when we turn back to God. They do not need to inform God of a hardened individual’s transgressions, for all is laid bare before Him. However, upon witnessing our lack of compassion towards one another, the angels are moved by sorrow and plead with God for assistance and intervention on behalf of the one burdened by the cruelty of the unforgiving sinner. As it is stated, \\"There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents\\" (Luke 15:10). This divine intercession of the holy angels was exemplified by the God-Man with the words, “And they came and told their lord all things that had happened.” It is important to note that not every statement made in the parable directly corresponds to the figures represented; some elements are included merely to enrich the narrative. Our Lord clarified this while explaining the parable of the tares; He depicted the servants saying, \\"Lord, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?\\" (Matthew 13:27). Yet, in His interpretation, He chose to omit the servants altogether, indicating that their mention was purely for illustrative purposes and not central to the parable's main theme. From this, the illustrious Chrysostom asserted that parables should not be interpreted solely based on the words spoken, as many extraneous details may follow. Thus, the phrase, “when they came, they said to their lord all things that had happened,\\" serves to enhance the explanation, demonstrating that the king was aware of all that his unmerciful servant had done, which in turn brings coherence to this supplementary detail. This raises the question: how did the king respond upon hearing of this servant's lack of mercy?"},{"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 conveys the essential truth that a person who harbors anger towards their neighbor and refuses to forgive their wrongdoings will not only be denied forgiveness from God but will also have their previously pardoned sins recalled. The merciful king who had forgiven the debt of a servant ultimately reinstated the debt due to the servant's lack of mercy towards a fellow servant. Consequently, the king handed him over to the tormentors so that he would suffer for his debt."},{"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":"Upon witnessing this, his companions were incensed and reported it to their master. Upon hearing their account, the master summoned him back to his presence and declared, ‘Wicked servant, I have forgiven you all your debt because you pleaded with me; should you not have shown the same mercy to your fellow servant as I have shown to you? - Listen, you thieves! Listen, you heartless and harsh! Your cruelty harms not others but yourselves. When you nurture anger, recognize that it is your own burden you are carrying, not that of your brother, filling yourself with sin rather than him."},{"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":"Witnessing the events unfold, those close to him were profoundly saddened by the mercilessness of the debtor who had recently received forgiveness, prompting them to report everything that transpired to their master. In a similar manner, the heavenly guardians, who are continually by our side, observe with deep sorrow the harshness we inflict upon one another. As they intercede with God on behalf of those who have been wronged, they provide testimony to the Righteous Judge regarding the wrongs committed. This act of compassionate complaint carries weight: if it is deeply upsetting for individuals to witness others failing to recognize the mercy extended to them, how much more grievous must it be for God, whose essence embodies the love of righteousness, to witness humanity misusing His boundless grace and mercy to the detriment of others?"},{"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 companions were filled with deep sorrow: even individuals were unhappy about it; what can I say regarding God? Those who had no obligation towards Him felt resentment towards Him (Chrysostom). - \\"Informed the ruler\\": this does not imply that believers ought to voice grievances to God regarding the wrongs experienced by others, as if the Lord were unaware of them. Rather, in the Savior's teachings, it serves as a detail meant to illustrate the scenario more naturally and clearly. (Overall, when interpreting parables, we should refrain from trying to find specific spiritual meanings in every detail, but focus instead on the broader message of the parable)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Christ teaches that one should exhaust every effort to guide the lost toward salvation, explaining that, only after a person has rejected the church as a whole, should they be removed from communal fellowship. However, if they show true repentance, they should be welcomed back into the church. This directive seems somewhat unclear to the Apostle Peter, who believes there should be a limit to forgiveness for those who sin. He asks how many times he is required to forgive a brother who wrongs him. Jewish teachers of the law suggested forgiving three times, but Peter feels this may fall short of Christ’s expectations, so he inquires if forgiving seven times is sufficient. Christ responds by saying forgiveness should be extended endlessly. Regarding those who sin against the church, they must be forgiven as long as they repent. In relation to personal transgressors—reflecting the nature of Peter's inquiry—Christ's command should be accepted without conditions."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"This text presents a series of actions and teachings that conclude the Galilean ministry of Jesus Christ. From His journey to Caesarea and the inquiry, “Who do men say that I am?” to the counsel on avoiding temptation and the parable illustrating the Son of Man's retrieval of the lost, each element is interconnected with profound significance (18:15-20, 21-35). Matthew the Evangelist further includes instruction on addressing those who cause offense—both when the sinner refuses to acknowledge their wrongdoing and when they do recognize it and seek forgiveness. In the first scenario, a series of progressively stronger steps is outlined to lead the wrongdoer to repentance; in the second, limitless forgiveness is encouraged. The timing of this teaching by the Lord is not clearly defined. However, considering the earlier statements of the Savior and the interactions among the Apostles, a connection may be discerned. It is noteworthy that neither St. Luke nor St. Mark recount this dialogue on this occasion. This dialogue partly clarifies when the Apostles are permitted to exercise their authority to bind and to loose, while also exemplifying a noble quality in the spirit of a disciple regarding their relationships with others—first, the act of self-humiliation; second, the vigilant care not to lead others into temptation. Thus, the teachings are cohesively linked, though the external historical context remains ambiguous, as indicated by the Evangelist's brief note on the Apostles' disputes. As we consider the departure from the Galilean region, it is important to recognize that our knowledge of the events there is incomplete. We remain unaware of what transpired in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum that warranted such severe admonitions from the Lord (Luke 10:13-15)."},{"author-name":"Strannik (Journal)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The essence of this parable illustrates that individuals who refuse to extend mercy to others should not anticipate receiving mercy from God. Who does the first servant represent? He symbolizes a sinner who is starting to grasp the peril of his state and acknowledges the fear of retribution, yet still clings to the hope of being saved through personal efforts. What does he plead? He implores for patience, promising to repay all his debts. Is this promise achievable? No, the debt he owes is insurmountable. How does the king respond? Moved by compassion, he absolves the servant's debt. What key lesson can we extract from this? It signifies that God, in light of the merits of His beloved Son, is eager to forgive those who truly repent. What importance does the contrast between a hundred denarii and ten thousand talents carry? It teaches us that our transgressions against others are minuscule when weighed against our offenses towards God. What does the harsh behavior of the first servant towards his fellow servant reveal? It shows that his heart had not undergone transformation. What lesson does his punishment impart? It underscores that a lack of compassion is a serious sin, and that God punishes such hardness of heart severely, even regarding those who have wronged us. Overall, this parable demonstrates that we ought to humbly seek God’s forgiveness for our failings, for Jesus Christ's sake, and strive to be patient and forgiving towards those who have trespassed against us. Related biblical texts emphasize this message: “For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon my sin; for it is great” (Psalm 25:11). “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 8:12). “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:15). “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy” (James 2:13). “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44). “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32)."}]}
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