The King cancelled my debt and set me free

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 20, 2023 | Matthew 18:23-27

KEY VERSE:

The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go. Matthew 18:27 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

After responding to the disciples’ question on who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus began to teach them forgiveness and says that we must forgive seventy times seven times. It is in this context that He now speaks the parable in Matthew 18:23-27. It tells the story of a servant who owed an enormous debt to his master, a debt that was impossible for him to repay. As the servant pleaded for mercy, the master moved with compassion, not only forgiving the debt entirely but also releasing him from the burden of his obligation. This parable serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive power of God through His grace and mercy.

The image of the servant in this parable represents the fallen humanity, burdened by the weight of sin, and separated from God. The debt of sin is insurmountable, and on our own, we are utterly incapable of making amends or reconciling with the Creator. But just as the master in the parable responded with grace and mercy, so does our heavenly Father. He sees our desperate situation and, moved with compassion, offers us complete forgiveness and total freedom from the chains of sin. Sin separates us from God, and the consequences of our actions demand justice. It is only by recognizing the magnitude of our debt that we can fully appreciate the incredible gift of grace offered to us by our Master. The response of the master in the parable reveals the compassionate nature of our heavenly Father. Despite the servant's inability to repay, the master forgives the entire debt out of sheer compassion and love. Likewise, God, in His infinite mercy, extends forgiveness to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. This act of forgiveness is not based on our merit or worthiness but on God's gracious character. When the servant's debt was forgiven, he was set free from the burden that weighed him down. In the same way, when we ask for God's forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, we experience deliverance from guilt, shame, and the power of sin. Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, we are reconciled with God and granted the opportunity for restoration and renewal. We are invited into a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live in obedience and love.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

How do you see yourself in the mirror of this parable? Are you still struggling with the burden of sin, not knowing what to do? Jesus, the Master, paid it all and it is as though it had never been. It is erased! It is marked paid in full! He invites you today to come to Him. Come to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness, and He will not only forgive you but will also set you free from sin’s power and its consequences. Are you a Christian who has fallen into sin? Come to Him with a humble heart for He is still the merciful and gracious saviour. He will forgive and cleanse you from every unrighteousness.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I thank you for your love for me that led you to the cross and died for me. I come to you today and ask for forgiveness and deliverance. Please cleanse me from every sin and set me free from the bondage of sin and help me to live a victorious life as a citizen of your Kingdom. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!