Faith Talk – July 26, 2026
Faith Talks are designed to help you keep the conversation going beyond Sunday morning. Use this guide with your family or friends to reflect on the sermon and Life Group lesson, pray together, and put God’s Word into practice. Think of this guide as a starting place—then let God shape the conversation.
Sermon
Title: The Unmerciful Servant
Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35
Overview: Forgiveness is one of the clearest marks of a heart that has been transformed by the gospel. In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, Jesus illustrates the immeasurable mercy God has shown us through Christ and calls His followers to extend that same mercy to others. Those who have experienced God's forgiveness are to become people who freely forgive, reflecting the grace they have received.
Main Points:
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Application: Take time this week to thank God for the forgiveness you have received through Jesus Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any bitterness or unforgiveness in your heart, then prayerfully choose to extend the same grace God has shown you. Forgiveness may not erase the hurt, but it reflects the mercy of Christ and brings freedom to the one who forgives.
Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35
Overview: Forgiveness is one of the clearest marks of a heart that has been transformed by the gospel. In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, Jesus illustrates the immeasurable mercy God has shown us through Christ and calls His followers to extend that same mercy to others. Those who have experienced God's forgiveness are to become people who freely forgive, reflecting the grace they have received.
Main Points:
- The Inquiry
- The Illustration
- The Implication
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- Why did Peter ask Jesus how many times he should forgive someone?
- What did the king do for the servant that showed great mercy?
- How can you show forgiveness to someone this week?
For Students & Adults
- What does the enormous debt in Jesus' parable teach us about our own sin before God?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to forgive others, even after experiencing God's forgiveness?
- What relationship or situation might God be calling you to respond to with grace and forgiveness?
Application: Take time this week to thank God for the forgiveness you have received through Jesus Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any bitterness or unforgiveness in your heart, then prayerfully choose to extend the same grace God has shown you. Forgiveness may not erase the hurt, but it reflects the mercy of Christ and brings freedom to the one who forgives.
Life Group
Scripture: Matthew 5–7; Luke 6
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – Jesus taught people how to live God’s way. When we follow Jesus, He helps us live in a way that makes God happy.
Kids – Jesus taught how people in His kingdom have hearts that love God and love others. But because of sin, no one always does what is right and good. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and changes our hearts so we can live in ways that glorify Him.
Students – In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers what it looked like to live as citizens of His kingdom. Just as Jesus came into the world to do the Father’s will, we too are to live for Him and represent His kingdom here on earth.
Adults – Jesus ushered in a countercultural, upside-down kingdom that put love as the highest value. This love is shown ultimately in how He died for us that those who trust in Him might have life and not perish.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – Jesus taught people how to live God’s way. When we follow Jesus, He helps us live in a way that makes God happy.
Kids – Jesus taught how people in His kingdom have hearts that love God and love others. But because of sin, no one always does what is right and good. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and changes our hearts so we can live in ways that glorify Him.
Students – In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers what it looked like to live as citizens of His kingdom. Just as Jesus came into the world to do the Father’s will, we too are to live for Him and represent His kingdom here on earth.
Adults – Jesus ushered in a countercultural, upside-down kingdom that put love as the highest value. This love is shown ultimately in how He died for us that those who trust in Him might have life and not perish.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- What is one thing Jesus taught that helps us love others?
- Why do we need Jesus to help us obey God?
- How can you show God's love to someone this week?
For Students & Adults
- In what ways does Jesus' teaching challenge the values of our culture?
- Which teaching from the Sermon on the Mount do you find most difficult to live out? Why?
- How can your life better reflect the love and values of God's kingdom this week?
Pray Together
- Thank God for His amazing mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and for calling us to live as citizens of His kingdom.
- Commit to forgiving others as God has forgiven you and living each day in a way that reflects Christ's love and humility.
- Ask God to transform your heart, help you extend grace to others, and empower you to represent Jesus faithfully wherever He places you.
Activity
Supplies:
Instructions:
Have each family member draw or write about a time someone showed them forgiveness or kindness. Then read Matthew 18:21–35 together and talk about how God's forgiveness is even greater than anything we have experienced. End by praying for the strength to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven us.
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