(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will compare Jesus’ instructions on forgiveness from the Lord’s Prayer with this passage.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Read Matthew 6:9–15. Explain that when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He also taught them about forgiveness. Direct attention to verse 15. Ask: How does this verse reinforce the parable of the unmerciful servant? (If you will not forgive men their sins against you, God will not forgive your sins.)
Explain that Jesus used the Greek word aphekamen to explain forgiveness. Stress that the word actually means “to send away” or “to dismiss” from one’s presence. Ask: When you forgive, do you “send away” personal offenses committed against you? When we hold on to the memory of past hurts, is true forgiveness possible?