And the master of that servant had compassion on him, released him, and forgave him the debt.
This is the turning point of the parable. The lord, seeing the servant’s humbled condition and his plea, is moved with compassion. He not only releases him from the sentence of being sold, but fully forgives his enormous debt. This is a picture of God’s mercy presented through Jesus, where forgiveness is granted not on the basis of repayment, merit, or promises, but solely out of love and pity. The person who could not repay even a small part receives complete forgiveness. This reminds us that salvation is grace, not the result of works, and the depth of God’s forgiveness surpasses human understanding.