Plot Twist - Week 2 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
KICK START
Do you prefer sweet treats or sour candy?
THE BACK STORY
Have you ever been hurt in a way that seemed unforgivable? Maybe it was a long time ago in your childhood, maybe it was last year, or maybe it was this past week. When we carry the burden of hurt through life, we are unnecessarily weighed down. Jesus gets you, and He specifically taught about this topic. Through the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, we can learn how to move forward in life without the weight of unforgiveness.
MESSAGE CONTEXT
Genesis 22:18
Matthew 18:21-35
Hebrews 12:2
Romans 6:23
1 John 5:19
Romans 10:13
MESSAGE TAKE-AWAYS
1. Christianity is not a checklist; it’s a love relationship.
2. Christianity is not about head knowledge; it’s about heart knowledge.
3. The teachings of Jesus aren’t to make you a better person; they’re to guide you to be more like Him to change the world.
4. It’s natural to keep score; it’s supernatural to forgive.
5. You can’t receive grace and healing if you don’t know you need grace and healing.
6. The person you hate is ruining the love you have for the people closest to you.
7. The enemy will keep you in prison as long as you will stay there – but the doors are unlocked.
ADULT DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read aloud or spend time individually reading silently the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Which character from the story do you relate to in this season of life?
2. Examine your heart. What burdens are you carrying that are rooted in unforgiveness?
3. How many times do you usually forgive someone before you cut them off?
4. Who in your life has hurt you in a way you can’t forgive?
5. Reflect on a time you have been forgiven. Reflect on how Jesus has forgiven you.
6. How has this passage and this mini-message challenged you in the area of forgiveness? What is your next step of obedience? Begin praying specifically for God to work in your heart.
STUDENT DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Which character from the story do you relate to in this season of life? Why?
2. Is there someone in your life who you haven’t forgiven? Does harboring unforgiveness feel like carrying a heavy burden?
3. Is it easy or difficult for you to forgive others? Why or why not?
4. Is there someone in your life who has hurt you in a way you cannot forgive?
5. Reflect on a time you have been forgiven. Reflect on how Jesus has forgiven you.
6. How can you take a step toward forgiveness in your life?
KICK START
It is raining outside, how do you spend your day?
THE BACK STORY
Workers in the Field
Today in Matthew, we are reading a story that compares workers in the field to the kingdom of God. The story describes how different workers worked in the fields for different hours of the day. Some worked long hours while others worked only an hour or two, but the landowner paid them all the same amount of money. This story teaches us that Jesus says we cannot earn our way into heaven by the number of hours we work or based on our position or importance. Jesus is generous to all who believe in Him. He offers each of us the gift of life with Him forever. He reminds us that important people on Earth might be last and the little children (or those who are less fortunate) may be first to inherit God’s kingdom.
READING PLAN
Matthew 20:1-16
READING TAKE-AWAYS
1. Jesus is generous to all of us who believe in Him.
2. He offers each of us the gift of life with Him forever.
3. Jesus reminds us that important people on Earth might be last and the little children or those woh are less fortunate may be first to inherit God’s Kingdom.
4. Isn’t it great to know that we don’t have to do any specific works to earn our way into the kingdom of God?
5. God loves us all and wants to give us all the gift of eternal life!
6. Share the experience of God’s love with someone this week.
7. Tell them that God loves us all the same whether we are someone very important in the world or even if we are a young child.
PRAYER
Dear God, Thank You for teaching us so many truths through Your Word. Thank
You for being so generous to all of us who choose to follow You. God, give me the
courage to tell a friend about how much You love them this week. Amen.