Loved: Luke 7:40-50

We’ve all seen a movie where a troubled kid is taken in and accepted by an understanding and loving mentor. This child would go on to change their ways and grow to love this person as a result of the forgiveness they received. We have each received this same forgiveness from Jesus. As a result, we should respond by loving Him in return.

Love’s Intensity

Luke 7:40-43

40And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

To give some background to what’s going on here, we have to go a few verses back. A Pharisee named Simon had invited Jesus to his house for dinner. A “woman from the city, who was a great sinner” comes in. She begins to weep, using her tears to wash Jesus feet. She used her hair to dry His feet. Simon knows of this woman’s reputation. He thinks to himself that if Jesus were a real prophet of God, he would recognize this woman for the sinner she is. Knowing Simon’s thoughts, Jesus asks if he could tell him something. Simon responds by calling Him teacher. It’s likely that this was said mockingly, since this was not a formal title like rabbi. Jesus goes on and tell him a parable.

A denarii was worth about a days wages, so both sums would be considered large, but one debt was significantly larger than the other. The interesting thing is the story doesn’t make a point to mention anything about the debtors character.

Why do you think the focus was only on the creditor’s character?

Do we sometimes identify more with the debtor that owed less money? The truth is, even our sin is enough to have put Jesus on the cross. We should respond to that with fervent love for Him.

Love Demonstrated

Luke 7:44-47

44Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Every part of these verses shows that the Pharisee had little regard for Jesus. He didn’t do any of the things that were customary for a host. I wonder what led him to even invite Jesus to dine with him.

In contrast to the host, the woman is humbling herself and paying the Lord the respect He deserves. She anointed His feet with expensive perfume. To use something so expensive on someone’s feet would be considered extravagant and wasteful. Her deference to Jesus, is what He chastises Simon with.

Jesus’ statement that the woman’s sins were forgiven served two purposes. It made the point that forgiving her many sins led to her great love, but it also made the point that Jesus had the power to forgive sin.

Love and Faith

Luke 7:48-50

48And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Here, Jesus reemphasizes that her sins are forgiven. This angers those that were at the table as well. It’s not clear who these other guests were, but they clearly shared some of the views of the host, Simon. They questioned why Jesus felt He had the authority to forgive sin.

Jesus ends by doing two things. First pointing out that the woman’s faith is what saved her. Then He tells her to go in peace. She doesn’t have to worry about her sin anymore.

What is the relationship between faith and forgiveness?

Take some time to reflect on the sin debt you carried before you came to Jesus. Think about ways you can demonstrate your gratitude for His forgiveness.