Jesus expects his followers to forgive others, because he first showed mercy to us. This is easy to understand but sometimes hard to practice. That’s why Matthew 18:21-35 includes the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Use these free Bible lesson to teach kids in your Sunday School class the meaning of mercy and forgiveness. We’ve included complete teaching plans, game suggestions, craft ideas, and bonus coloring page. Simply download the PDF files below.
Kids’ Bible Lessons from Matthew 18:21-35
Bonus Teaching Ideas
- Compare another children’s message on Matthew 18:21-35 from Rfour.org
- Compare the lesson from Sermons4Kids
- See more teaching ideas related to Forgiveness from Ministry-To-Children and see their See the playlist on this scripture passage on YouTube
Kids Bible Story on the Unmerciful Servant
Bible Craft Ideas on Forgiveness
Use these Bible crafts to help children understand the meaning of forgiveness and mercy. They are perfect learning activities for any Sunday School Bible lesson about forgiving others. Download the PDF printable craft directions, watch our demonstration video, and gather your project supplies.
Children’s Sermon Object Lesson Demonstration
Jesus expects his followers to forgive others, because he first gave us mercy. Use this children’s sermon object lesson to help kids learn the parable of the Unmerciful Servant from Matthew 18:21-35. Download the printable lesson notes below, gather your teaching props, and watch our demonstration video as you prepare to share this Bible message.
Coloring Page for Sunday School
In the Lord’s Prayer, we are told to pray for God’s forgiveness “as we forgive those who trespass against us.” That’s the theme of this coloring page. Click the image below to download or get the entire 5-page coloring book on the Lord’s Prayer from the Sunday School Store.
Matthew 18:21–35 ESV
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.7 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.8 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant 9 fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,10 and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,11 until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”