“Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – five hundred pieces of silver to one and fifty pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay… so he kindly forgave them both, cancelling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
Luke 7:41-42 (NLT)
Simon was surprised that a sinful woman would enter his house. He was more surprised when he noticed that she was not eating but weeping profusely, and her tears were spilling onto the feet of one of his guests. Everything about the scene repelled him.
A harlot kissing the Man’s feet, wiping them with her hair, and then pouring perfume on them? (Luke 7:38). It was astonishing!
Simon, in his self-righteous state, adored the law. They were a fence safeguarding his ‘purity’, protecting his sense of settled security. But the Holy God provided a map for the way of the righteous, a way of life for ordinary Jews, like the woman who had just walked through his door.
Simon found it more staggering that his guest did not rebuke the woman. “If this Man were a prophet,” Simon thought, “He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is touching Him. She is a sinner!” (Verse 39).
The Man highlighted Simon’s social errors: neglecting to wash Jesus’s feet, anointing His head with oil, and offering Him the kiss of greeting. Did Simon take Jesus for granted? Did Simon treat Jesus as an equal?
Though a religious man and living a respectable life, Simon was still in error. His sins were tucked away, hidden even from himself. His habit of judging others had formed a fence around his one-dimensional view of the universe. Remember, it is God’s grace through faith that saves us.
As Jesus forgave the woman, the other guests asked themselves, “Who is this Who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:49).
Both Simon and the woman owed a debt they could not possibly pay. Though Simon’s sin was less obvious, it was more dangerous. He thought he was following a map (the Law) that would certainly lead to heaven, but when heaven came down and walked into his home, he didn’t recognise it.
The woman, on the other hand, realised just how lost she had been. Forgiven much, she loved much. She found heaven at the feet of Jesus.
Brethren, let us offer our resources to God, whether or not we will be on center stage.
Read: Psalm 103:1-4; Colossians 1:13-14
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 13:10-19; John 18:1-24; 1 Samuel 21; 1 Samuel 22; 1 Samuel 23