Parable of the Unmerciful Servant — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the unmerciful servant, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 18:21 (KJV)
Who asked Jesus how often to forgive?
Answer: Peter
Study note. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me?
Lesson 2 · Matthew 18:21 (KJV)
How many times did Peter suggest?
Answer: Seven
Study note. Till seven times?
Lesson 3 · Matthew 18:22 (KJV)
How did Jesus answer?
Answer: Until seventy times seven
Study note. Until seventy times seven.
Lesson 4 · Matthew 18:23 (KJV)
To whom is the kingdom likened in this parable?
Answer: A certain king
Study note. A certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Lesson 5 · Matthew 18:24 (KJV)
How much did the first servant owe?
Answer: Ten thousand talents
Study note. One was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
Lesson 6 · Matthew 18:25 (KJV)
What did the king first command?
Answer: He and his family be sold
Study note. His lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children.
Lesson 7 · Matthew 18:27 (KJV)
What did the king do when the servant fell down and worshipped him?
Answer: Loosed him, and forgave him the debt
Study note. The lord of that servant… loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Lesson 8 · Matthew 18:28 (KJV)
How much did his fellowservant owe him?
Answer: A hundred pence
Study note. Which owed him an hundred pence.
Lesson 9 · Matthew 18:28 (KJV)
What did the unmerciful servant do?
Answer: Took him by the throat
Study note. He… took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
Lesson 10 · Matthew 18:34 (KJV)
To whom did the king deliver the wicked servant?
Answer: The tormentors
Study note. Delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the unmerciful servant point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?