Q: Doesn’t this passage teach that the heavenly Father will “torment” if we do not forgive our brother? (see Matthew 6:14-15)  (Doesn’t the fact that v. 34 says, “…till he should pay all that was due unto him” mean that the torment will eventually end?)

A: First of all, it must be realized that this is another parable to illustrate what the “kingdom of heaven” is like, the literal translation being “the kingdom of the heavens.” This is the Messianic Kingdom, the hope of Israel, which Jesus proclaimed, as well as his disciples.

If Israel, nationally, had accepted Jesus, the kingdom could have been then. As it was, He was rejected, crucified, raised from the dead and at the right hand of the Father. And because of this salvation is possible for all mankind, not just Israel.

Second, interpreting this parable may vary from each individual. I can only give my interpretation:

Those who are in the kingdom of the heavens have been forgiven much, and if they cannot forgive a brother for a minor offence, then they will be cast into prison. Though Messiah will be reigning as Prince of Peace in that day, it will be a reign based on righteousness and law.

This “warning” as well as Matthew 6:14, 15, are not to be applied as rigid laws today. Believers today are in the body of Christ. We have been justified, we are being sanctified (set apart), and some day will be glorified. While the principal of forgiveness is true throughout man’s history, it comes through Christ in us, as our Apostle Paul encouraged us in so many of his letters.