And the servant fell facedown to the ground, bowed before him, and said, “Lord, be patient with me, and I will pay you everything.”
The servant, standing before an overwhelming sentence, falls down before his master and pleads, in a humbled and despairing state. He promises to repay the entire debt, something that in reality was impossible. His words are the response of human nature: when a person stands before a just judgment, he tries to ask for time, an opportunity, or gives a promise as though he will set things right, even while knowing that he cannot fully repay. This portrays the condition of the sinful person, who cannot save his soul, yet with a last hope turns to God, asking for patience. Yet, as we will see, his request is met with compassion not because of his promises, but because of his humility.