THE WORST PRISON IN THE WORLD
Matthew 18:21-35

Introduction:     Alcatraz has been known as one of the most escape proof prisons in the world. From 1933 to 1963 it served as a federal prison. Surrounded by the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay , Alcatraz boasted high walls, double lock doors, machine guns in the hands of guards, and a staff that could not be bribed. Alcatraz however is not the world's worst prison. Jesus tells us of the worst prison of all in His parable of the Unmerciful Servant.  It is the prison of an unforgiving spirit. Jesus shares this parable in response to....

I.          PETER'S QUESTION CONCERNING FORGIVENESS (VV.21- 22).
The first word of verse 21 suggests that Peter didn't ask this question out of the blue.... "Then..." I believe Peter ask this question in response to the Lord's teaching in verses 15-17. So Peter asks about how many times he should forgive his brother. Note that Peter was truly trying to be generous. He suggested 7 times, which was more than twice what the Rabbis taught they should do. Jesus offers an unexpected response.  Not 7 times Peter, but 490 times. What was Jesus teaching?

A.        Real Forgiveness Knows No Boundaries

Limited forgiveness is not forgiveness. (Illus: Two brothers fighting one said, Ok, I'll for give him tonight, but he'd better look out in the morning." Two men in a nursing home had been quarreling for years upon agreeing to forgive one said, "But if I get better, this doesn't count!") You can't partially forgive and nurse a little grudge. Don't bury the hatchet and leave the handle sticking out!

To share boundless forgiveness means that we must get beyond....

B.         Real Forgiveness Knows No Barriers

Such as....

·        Revenge...which says, "I'm going to get even!"

·        Resentment...which says, "I am going to stay angry."

·        Remembering...which says, "I'll never forget!" (4:31, 32) Peter asked a question all of us struggle with. That question prompted....

II.         THE LORD'S PARABLE CONCERNING FORGIVENESS (VV.23-35)
I want to focus our attention on the main character in this story.  Notice that he goes through three stages. First we see him:

A.        As A Debtor (vv. 23-27)

B.         As A Creditor (vv. 28-30)

C.                 As A Prisoner (vv. 31-34) 

Note that he wanted justice so he got justice instead of mercy. We have examined Peter's question and the Lord's parable concerning forgiveness, before we leave this passage I want each of us to carefully evaluate...

III.       OUR ATTITUDE CONCERNING FORGIVENESS (V.35)
Before you say, "I can't forgive" or more truthfully, "I won't forgive", please consider two things. First consider....

A.        God's Forgiveness Of You

Note..... Psalm 32:1. In the song, "It is well with my soul" The second verse says:
My sin Oh the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin not in part but the whole

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Oh my soul.

Secondly consider......

B.         The Consequences of an Unforgiving Spirit

Jesus wants us to understand that refusing to forgive opens the door to inner torment. Remember how the parable ended....verse 34. Then notice that in verse 35, Jesus applies the principle directly to us.  Here we have a grim warning. The word "tormentors" is very important.  It means to be in great pain, to be in agony. The warning is that those who refuse to forgive will be turned over to tortuous thoughts, feelings of misery, and agonizing unrest within.

Conclusion:       Is there someone that you need to forgive? Is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness? Do you need God's forgiveness? Don't stay in the worst prison in the world.