Highlighting – “Therefore I say to you, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (v. 47)
Please read this passage – it’s SO good. We see a comparison in this parable between a Jewish leader and a woman, called a sinner. The Jewish leader is someone who knows the Scriptures like the back of his hand and is thought to be one who upholds the law. The sinful woman in this parable is exactly that, a sinful woman. In this story she approaches Jesus and smothers Him with appreciation. What’s compelling is when Jesus speaks to the Jewish leader using the analogy of a creditor forgiving his debtors. The one who was forgiven of a lesser debt is thankful but doesn’t express overwhelming gratitude as the one whose debt was significantly larger.
What is Jesus trying to say here? Number one, both are sinners (the Jewish leader and the “sinful” woman). Secondly, a person who is forgiven of “greater” sins, demonstrates much more appreciation (love). The person that Jesus receives, who was so far gone, usually comes to Christ with a greater sense of gratitude for His love for them. What we learn from the Jewish leader is that, when forgiven of less, there tends to be a sense of self-righteousness and entitlement that develops in the person. The thought process is, “I deserve this because of my good deeds and keeping with the law” but Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Therefore, we all NEED(ED) a Savior. None of us deserve anything except the penalty of the sin we committed, which is death (Romans 5:12, 6:23).
What I also learned from this parable is that the person who is forgiven much is not only more loving, but humble. The sinful woman wept behind Jesus in gratitude, wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them and anointed them with fragrant oil.
Jesus is the creditor, we are the debtors. He died on the cross, took the penalty of our sin, and forgave us our debts (John 3:16). For us, it shouldn’t be about the gravity of our debt but the simple fact that we were forgiven of a debt. Today, lets worship Him for what He has done for us and taken us out of (condemnation). Always remember, worship is a lifestyle, not just a Sunday morning (once a week) activity.
Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving me from the wiles of the enemy. If it wasn’t for Your love, where would I be? Help me to always be grateful for Your sacrifice, and to demonstrate the love You’ve shown to me to everyone I encounter. In Jesus name I pray, amen!
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