New Insight Into an Old Parable

A popular parable is given in the account of Matthew 18:23-34. It talks about a servant who had a debt of 10,000 talents to his king. In order to more fully understand this debt a simple conversion into today's wages is given courtesy of "Weights and Measures Table in NIV study bible Footnote of NIV Bible Luke 19:13", and "answers.com".

1 talent = 60 minas
1 mina = 3 month's wages
1 talent = 60 x (3 months' wages) = 180 months' wages
1 talent = 180 months' wages / 12 months in a year = 15 years' wages
1 talent = 15 years' wages

10,000 talents = 150,000 years' wages.

So if a yearly wage is $15,000 (about 40hrs/week at CA min wage ($8/hr)
150,000 year's wages = 2,250,000,000

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence (approximately 3 months wages): and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto there lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not tohu also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due."

Through our works, following his commandments, The Lord has granted us his mercy and has forgiven us of a debt we could have never paid.

Through this example we learn that we should forgive others and be more understanding.