Definition: Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:32. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about forgiveness. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is describing a very significant moment in Jesus’ ministry – after he had just finished teaching his disciples about the importance of forgiveness. He’s addressing a specific person who was deeply in debt. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then his lord, after that he had called him…” - This means Jesus was talking to this particular servant after he’d finished explaining something important about God and His forgiveness. It sets the scene – a moment of reflection. “…said unto him, O thou wicked servant…” – “Thou” is a formal way of addressing someone. "Wicked servant" means someone who has done wrong or been guilty of something. This suggests this person had made a significant mistake and was in trouble. “I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me.” - This is the core of the verse. Jesus did forgive him. He let go of the debt. He didn’t just give him a small amount; he completely cleared it. What does this mean in simpler terms? It means Jesus showed compassion and mercy to this person who had been causing trouble. He recognized that they were seeking forgiveness, and he gave them what they needed – a chance to be free from the burden of debt. The Significance - It’s about more than just a debt: This passage is incredibly important because it illustrates several key Christian principles: God's Love & Compassion: Jesus shows us that God loves everyone, even those who have messed up. Forgiveness as a Gift: Forgiving someone isn't always easy, but it’s a powerful act of love and mercy. It sets the stage for reconciliation and healing. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a model for how Jesus would handle difficult situations with people who have wronged him or others. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story – what was happening before and after this verse? Why this particular story is significant (like its role in Jesus' teachings)?