Forgiven Much, Love Much

Luke 7:36-50

In this passage we find Jesus eating with a group of religious leaders called Pharisees. Amidst their dinner party, a woman with a sinful reputation heard Jesus was in town, and she came to honor Him the only way she was able. The woman used her tears to wash Jesus’ feet and then anointed them with perfume. Because of the woman’s character, the religious leaders questioned Jesus’ interaction with her.

Jesus answers the Pharisee's questions with a parable of two debtors. As both debtors were forgiven, the Pharisee, Simon acknowledges the person with the biggest debt will be the most thankful for their forgiveness. Jesus flips this story to connect with the “sinful” woman that is washing His feet. He reminds the Pharisees that they did not even offer him water to wash His feet upon arrival. (which was an essential formality) Jesus spoke these words the religious leaders:

vs 47

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Often we give excuses that we can not come to Jesus because of our past sins or our current circumstance. God doesn't ask that we clean ourselves up to come to Him. He wants us to allow Him to do that for us. This woman was not forgiven because of her acts of love, but her acts of love were a response of her forgiveness. As we recognize God’s love for us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, it should drive us to express our love to Him as well as those around us. Praise God for His love and live your life as a reflection of that love.