December 3rd THE PARABLES
December 3rd THE PARABLES
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
[Therefore] I tell you that her many sins are forgiven, so [that is why] she showed great love. But the person who is forgiven only a little will love only a little.
Luke 7:47, The Expanded Bible
Luke 7:47, The Expanded Bible
Context: The illustration of two forgiven debtors was prompted by the attitude of Jesus’ host Simon toward the sinful woman who entered and greased Jesus’ feet with perfumed oil. Uninvited persons could enter the courtyard during a meal to listen to a visiting rabbi. Simon omitted the normal courtesies of greeting his honoured guest with a kiss of peace, water for his feet, and incense for his head.
Meaning: Jesus was accused of being a “friend of sinners” but Jesus wore this shameful title with pride (Luke 7:34). Simon, so respectable, so self-righteously better than others (sins of the spirit), was scandalised by this immoral woman’s conduct, yet he was snubbing the Lord of heaven, even while under his roof. By contrast, the disreputable sin-laden woman (sins of the flesh) is the picture of a forgiven true worshiper.
Application: Where do I place myself in this scene? Perhaps not as a Simon the Pharisee, nor as the sinful woman but perhaps as one of the other dinner guests, sympathetically looking on as the woman declares her love for Jesus? In that case, I need to repent! If I am not tainted by the smugness of Simon, I most certainly do identify with the woman. If I realised a fraction of my true spiritual bankruptcy I would be on the floor, kissing Jesus’ feet, not caring who saw my PDA – public display of affection. As I confess my debt before him and praise his grace, I hear his comforting authoritative words, “Your faith (in Christ; not your tears or works) has saved you. Enter into peace.”
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We love Him because we have been forgiven much - not the other way round.
We love Him because we have been forgiven much - not the other way round.
