August 1, 2016
ALL DEBTS HAVE BEEN PAID FOR -- IN FULL -- ON THE CROSS. PERIOD.
Luke 7:36–50
Amy Levy
Central Truth
Jesus is communicating that regardless of the amount or type of sin (mistakes) in one’s life, His gift of grace (undeserved favor) has covered it. Your debt (the penalty of sin) has been paid. Accept His gift, and His peace is yours for the taking.
Key Verse | Luke 7:41–42
"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" ( Luke 7:41-42)
Luke 7:36–50
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And 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. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then 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. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among 1 7:49 Or to themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Dive Deeper | Luke 7:36–50
In this passage, Jesus is illustrating that we are ALL sinners. It is when we recognize the extent of our fall that we understand the extent of His love.
But, honestly, what if I've messed up more than others? Is it possible to have sinned beyond the point of His grace? Would He still love me the same if my debt were murder?
When I was younger, I dabbled in sin, minor offenses really, and I would have told you I was a Christian. However, I was actually the Pharisee, going through the motions of pomp and circumstance without a true understanding of who Jesus is and why He came. I was blind to the debt I was creating while spinning my wheels to "please" God and others.
Then at age 18, I had a positive pregnancy test followed by an abortion. In my wavering strength and limited capability, I sought a solution for my circumstances in order to escape the reality of my sin. It wasn’t until I understood the truth of His love that I understood the extent of my fall. I now identified with the woman in Luke 7:47, and "her sins, which are many.” I chose to end the very life He had created. How could He forgive me, let alone love me? But that’s the point—I am the greater debtor in this illustration. And because His love doesn’t keep score, I am also the one released from a debt I could never repay.
Regardless of what others knew or thought of the woman in the passage, when she approached Jesus, I believe that same understanding trumped her past. She was a new creation, the old was gone (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I have considered what people will say—the people who knew me then and now. But I, too, am a new creation, overwhelmed with love and gratitude. My faith in Jesus Christ has saved me, and I go in peace (Luke 7:50).
Friend, regardless of your past, it has been dealt with on the cross. I'm praying you accept His grace and love and find this peace.
If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, Watermark has a unexpected pregnancy ministry to help you navigate this season.
Discussion Questions
1. Is there a sin in your life that you think would tip the scale of God’s love, understanding, and sacrifice? You are already fully known by God. He loves you right where you are, but because He loves you, He doesn't want you to stay there. 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, He will forgive them. What sin(s) do you need to confess and lay at the cross?
2. I love how Isaiah 61:1-3 addresses those who have been set free from their bondage and brings good news to the poor in spirit. There is an exchange of gladness for their mourning and a garment of praise instead of a faint heart. They will be called oaks of righteousness for His glory! If you have been set free from your sin, are you willing to be used to bring hope to others that are brokenhearted or mourning their own sin? Or what is preventing you from doing so?
3. If you don't relate to the woman in today's passage, then read Matthew 19:16-26. Do you identify with the rich young man who went to church, said his prayers, and paid his taxes, but is still trying to earn his salvation like the Pharisee? Do you give sacrificially (Luke 16:10-13), love unconditionally (Romans 12:9-19), treat your own body with respect (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)? Do you hold tightly to the ways of this world, or is everything you have on the table?