The Unforgiving Servant — Matthew 18:21–35 | First Burleson

In Matthew 18:21–35, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant — a story prompted by Peter's question about how many times we must forgive someone who wrongs us. Through a vivid contrast between a servant forgiven an impossible debt and that same servant's refusal to forgive a far smaller one, Jesus teaches that those who have received radical grace from God are called to extend radical grace to others. The central takeaway is both simple and searching: forgiven people should be forgiving people. Pastor Chris Wigley walks through what forgiveness actually means — distinguishing it from reconciliation, addressing the fear that forgiveness lets an offender off the hook, and showing that unforgiveness ultimately tortures the one holding it. This message will encourage anyone who has found it genuinely hard to let go of a deep hurt, while gently challenging every listener to remember the immeasurable grace they themselves have received. The sermon closes with a personal invitation — for those who have never received God's forgiveness, and for those carrying unforgiveness they are ready to lay down. Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35, Luke 7 Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and Announcements 2:30 Father's Day Recognition 4:23 Sermon Series Introduction 8:10 Context and Scripture Reading 12:00 Unpacking the Parable 21:30 The Point: Forgiven to Forgive 25:21 Remember What You've Been Forgiven 30:56 Remember the Release of Forgiveness 37:14 Closing Prayer and Response — Connect with First Burleson — Website: https://firstburleson.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fi... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rLeg1Y...