The story begins with mathematics. Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, how often should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?" Seven times? That sounds reasonable, even mathematically merciful. Jesus responds with a geometrically progressive figure. Forgiveness is limitless. It cannot be tallied. Throw away calculator and slide rule. Stop counting. There are no mathematicians or accountants in the kingdom. In my kingdom there is no forgiving seven times but forgiving seventy times seven times. Seven times here, seven times there, before long we are talking big 1noney.

Compare God's kingdom with a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants, balance the books, set things right. Do justice. A servant owed him ten thousand talents. Don't get out your calculators, I'll tell you ho…