Matthew 18:23

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who decided to settle his account with his servants.

Cross References

Matthew 13:24

[Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,

Matthew 13:31

Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field.

Matthew 13:33

Then He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it].”

Matthew 13:47

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag­net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish].

Matthew 13:52

Then He said to them, “Therefore every expert in the Law of Moses who has been made a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [wealthy] homeowner who brought [both] new and old things out of his supply of goods.”

Matthew 18:24

When he began figuring, one of his servants, who owed him a huge sum of money [Note: The amount is variously estimated to be in the multiple millions of dollars in 2005], was brought to him.

Matthew 25:1

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]

Matthew 25:14

“For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him].

Matthew 3:2

“You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

Matthew 7:24

“Every person therefore, who hears these words of mine and obeys them will be like the sensible person who built his house on a [foundation of] rock.

Romans 14:12

So then, every one of us [i.e., including Christians] will have to give an account of himself to God.

1 Corinthians 4:5

So, do not judge anything until the appointed time, when the Lord returns [i.e., to do the judging] He will both shed light on the hidden things done in the dark and make known the motives of people’s hearts. Then each person [i.e., who deserves it] will receive praise from God.