Peter asks Jesus a simple question: how many times should I forgive? Jesus answers with the parable of the unforgiving servant, and the answer gets uncomfortable fast.

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dig into Matthew 18:21-35 for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost. They explore why forgiveness is never a one-time decision and why the parable's financial imagery still stings today. The team also connects this hard teaching to Genesis 50, Exodus 14, Psalm 103, and Romans 14, tracing a single thread of forgiveness, patience, and community across all four texts.

They wrestle honestly with the parable's violent ending and its risk of being misapplied to survivors of abuse. This episode gives preachers real tools for handling one of Matthew's toughest parables with honesty and care.