Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You
wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. Matthew 18:32-34
There is no record of the unmerciful servant’s conscience bothering him about his conduct. There is no evidence of conviction in his heart of his sin, he seems not to care. Others do care, however, and the matter is taken to their master.
After he had called him The master calls for his servant. The
summons can’t be ignored. He will meet his master face to face.
You wicked servant The words wicked and servant should never
go together for a true believer. Wicked means evil, slothful or
malicious. It describes the pain and agony caused by evil.
I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. The master
reminds the servant of the mercy he received at the hand of the
master. It was mercy he had begged for but did not deserve.
Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? The master is expert in asking questions to cause his servants to realize his sin. Here he asks the unanswerable question. “Why do you deserve mercy from me if you are not willing to
show mercy to others?” Scripture says, “every mouth will be stopped“. Here we see an example.
The master uses the word pity – it is also translated mercy. The one who receives mercy is not willing to show mercy to others.
And his master was angry The word angry indicates a fixed anger or strong opposition. The master cannot, will not tolerate this behavior, it is hypocritical, wrong and sin.
And delivered him to the torturers The master ordered him to be taken into custody. He is turned over to torturers. This is the only time that word is used in the New Testament. It means an inquisitor or one who elicits the truth by the use of the rack. Think of this. Originally this servant was to be put in debtors prison. Now he will be tortured for his failure to show mercy to others when he sought it for himself. His debt is overshadowed by his lack of compassion.
Until he should pay all that was due to him. He receives the same penalty he had required of the one who owed him. How long would this torture last? Until he could pay (restore or give back) all (this gives the sense of every part that applies). The emphasis is on the total picture – it includes everything) that was due (owed) to him (the master). The unmerciful servant’s failure to show mercy negates the mercy he received. Justice requires that he now pay back the unpayable debt. Since he is in prison being tortured there is no chance to earn one denarii. He will stay in prison for eternity. His attitude toward others shows the true state of his heart. His own sin of failing to show mercy to others will torture him most of all.
What can we learn? There is no reason to believe the unmerciful servant was a true believer. He was called a servant but there was no evidence of being poor is spirit, of mourning over his own sin, of meekly taking his condition to the master and following his commandments so the God could change his heart. What he desired for himself he did not show to others. A changed heart of mercy to others is one of the evidences of true conversion. Without that we do not belong to the master and will not enter his kingdom.