READ TOGETHER: Matthew 18:21-35

DISCUSS: How would you describe Peter's question to Jesus in verse 21? What in the preceding context prompted his question? What view of forgiveness does Peter's question reveal? / What Jesus' reply (verse 22) reveal about His view of forgiveness? / The first servant's debt was 10,000 talents. What does this debt represent? / What do you think is being taught about the nature of the servant's punishment in verse 34? Does the master's anger symbolize God's wrath? Why or why not?

PRAY: Take time to thank God for His forgiveness. Pray for His help in forgiving those who have hurt or mistreated you.

PRACTICE: Gratitude: put yourself in this parable. See yourself standing before God, see His generous mercy toward you, and see Him forgiving you completely. Express genuine gratitude toward God. / Compassion: change the ending of the parable. See yourself meeting people who are "indebted" to you. Feel the joy of replacing your anger and hurt with compassion.

DIVE DEEPER: Read Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37-38, James 2:13, James 3:14, Proverbs 21:2, and Revelation 2:23. What do the verses above teach about God's mercy toward us, and our responsibility to extend mercy to others?

Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!