Forgiven to Forgive (Pentecost 16A Gospel)

Download a printable PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 16 Gospel.

Text: Matthew 18:21-35 for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series A

Objectives

Participants will:

1. Gain a better understanding of God’s forgiveness and justice.
2. Be reminded that forgiveness is meant to be shared.

Materials Needed

Bible
Paper
Pencil/Pen

Group Guidelines

Divide into groups of people. Choose as leader the person with the birthday closest to today’s date. The leader’s role will be to keep the discussion moving and to lead prayer at the dosing. All members of the group should be encouraged to participate.

Building Community

1. Give a brief example of a situation in which forgiveness might be asked for or received.
2. Share a personal experience where forgiveness played a part.

Looking at God’s Word

1. Ask for volunteers to read the following sections of the Gospel lesson: Matthew 18:21-27; 28-31; and 32-35.
2. What was the attitude of the master to the first servant in verses 23-25? What made him change his mind (verses 26-27)?
3. How would you describe the first servant’s actions in verses 28-30? Contrast these with the master’s actions toward him.
4. When the master heard of the first servant’s actions, what was his reaction? How does Jesus bring this home to his hearers in verse 35?
5. You have heard it said, “I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget!” What does verse 35 say to this?

Reinforcing What Has Been Learned

Complete the following thoughts:

1. Forgiveness means …
2. One person I find difficult to forgive is …
3. Because God, for Jesus’ sake, has forgiven me, I can …·
4. The difference between justice and mercy is …

Closing

Go around the table with this prayer. “Lord, thank you for forgiving me. Please help me to forgive (people in general or a person specifically).”

by Phil Miksad