Matthew 18:34 Commentary and Bible Study

The lord of the ungrateful servant was angry. He had not implemented the cancellation of the debt to the point that it could not be reversed. The servant found himself back in the position that he had originally been in, but his master was now even more determined to punish him, because he had added evil to evil. Mercy can be extinguished by those who abuse it. This servant had already seen a change in the thinking of his master, because his dire circumstances had won over the pity of the king, but who that shows pity and mercy can bear to have their kindness taken advantage of? There is no measure that can be put on mercy; it is beyond all price. Mercy is given freely; it cannot be earned. It is of the essence of mercy that it is given to those who have no claim on it, otherwise it would not be mercy. But those who extend mercy expect the value of what they have given to be appreciated. Although mercy is free and beyond price, the receipt of it must have a transformative effect in the one who receives it. The giver will not allow such a great gift to be given for nothing.We note that the ungrateful servant was not freed from the obligation to pay back all he owed. The one who is sent to hell is still under the law. His debt is not cancelled; but he must spend all eternity paying it back and remain there under the burden of his debt. Whether those in hell can ever complete the repayment of what they owe is another question. Hell is eternal and that debt is being repaid forever, but it will not be cancelled. They are exposed to the infinite nature of God, to whom their debt must be repaid.