Starter: (In pairs for 5 minutes)
Describe a time when you were glad that somebody forgave you.
WORSHIP:
Perhaps focus on the gift of forgiveness and your continual need of it.
READ PASSAGE ALOUD(How would it feel to be the King?)
READING : Matt 18:21-35
RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY(Silent personal reflection)
PERSONAL FOCUS(Silent reflection on the passage / commentary & personal focus questions)
Commentary:
Chapter 18 is a remarkable piece of writing: in the fourth of the five blocks of teaching in this Gospel, Matthew gathers together sayings from diverse origins and assembles them together as an address given by Jesus to his disciples. The sayings deal with the issues and problems that arise in the life of an organised Christian community and how to deal with them. This parable demonstrates the chaos that happens if you don't repeatedly forgive. Note that the King does not forgive more than once (v.34).
Conflict within the Christian community is nothing new, but it should be as rigorously challenged now as it was in Matthew's churches. This story of the forgiveness of limitless debt is only recorded in Matthew's gospel. It is a story about material debt-a man who owed ten thousand talents (v. 24). It is a story about mercy and forgiveness of that material debt, the servant's master…..cancelled the debt (v.27). But it is also about relationships. Not only would the servant who was released from his huge financial debt refuse to release from debt his debtor, but also he commits acts of violence against him and put him in jail! (v.30). Finally the King descends to the same level of violence and retribution (v.34).
Such a strong story indicates Matthew's deep concern over the conflict in his churches, and the need for reconciliation. Jesus can only be there among them (v.20) when they have become reconciled. Members owe one another forgiveness not just of material debt, but also debt caused by the breakdown of relationships. The forgiveness must be total and from the heart (v.35).
Personal Focus Questions :
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)
1. What is God saying to you through this passage?
How does it relate to your experience of the forgiveness of God?
2. Recall an experience when you held on to a grudge.
What was its effect on you?
3. Who do you need to forgive now?
PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS (Discuss in triplets /pray for each other –25 minutes)
LIFE FOCUS (Discuss in whole group-15 minutes)
1. Many third world nations face the burden of un-repayable debt.
What is the role of the Christian community in urging debt forgiveness?
2. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
Review Time
How does your group handle any conflict?
Group Memory Time:
(Review actions agreed at previous meetings)
Prayer Time :
For the unity of the local Church members, unity of the local churches, and for peace between the nations.
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
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