Forgiven Much

A Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to eat with him. When they had sat down, reclining at the table as the custom was, a woman came in. With an alabaster box of ointment in her hands, she made her way to Jesus’ feet. Weeping, she washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and reverently kissed His feet as she poured the ointment on them.

Observing this spectacle, Simon thought to himself, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would have known what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39)

The woman was apparently known for her sin, whatever it may have been, and Simon certainly viewed this woman as an outcast.

But Jesus knew what the Pharisee was thinking.

“Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.

And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.

And He said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And He turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest Thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest Me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest Me no kiss, but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” (Luke 7:40-47)

Jesus took the opportunity to teach Simon (and the other people present) about the connection between love and forgiveness. The woman was “poor in spirit,” weeping over her sin, even while demonstrating her love for the One who had come to forgive.

Her sinful past caused other sinners to reject her, but when she turned to Christ in repentance and faith, He welcomed her freely, saying, “Thy sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)

Her love welled up out of her poverty of spirit, that humility which sees sin as God sees it: wretched, offensive, and inexcusable apart from Christ’s blood. Because she knew the magnitude of her debt, the magnitude of Christ’s forgiveness inspired her love.

Our love for God often serves as an indication of our humility. A humble heart will see just how much Christ has done on its behalf, but a prideful heart will be cold toward God, underestimating or undervaluing His forgiveness.

Have you been forgiven? How well does your love demonstrate the enormity of what Christ has given you?