Forgive Much/Love Much

Simon was on the fence about Jesus anyway. No doubt Simon had seen Jesus’ miracles and healings and heard first-hand the authority with which Jesus taught. But Simon wanted a closer look - extending a dinner invitation to gauge for himself whether or not Jesus was a legitimate prophet (or more - the Messiah!). The dinner took a turn when a woman, known for her sinful life, entered unexpectedly. She wept at Jesus’ feet, wetting them with her tears and wiping them dry with her hair. She kissed Jesus’ feet and anointed them not with common olive oil but with expensive perfume.

Simon, being a good Pharisee, was horrified and his internal dialogue raced. Didn’t Jesus know what kind of woman she was? A real prophet wouldn’t let someone like her touch Him! 

Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, responded with a parable: Two people owed a debt—one small, one large. When they couldn’t pay, the lender forgave them both. “Who will love him more?” Jesus asked. Simon answered, “The one who was forgiven more.” Jesus then turned to the woman and declared, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This story reveals the heart of the Gospel: Jesus came for sinners. Simon, in his self-righteousness, failed to see his own need for God’s mercy. The woman, however, was acutely aware of her need for grace and received Christ’s forgiveness with deep love and gratitude. Like Simon, we may be tempted to think we only need a dash of God’s grace while others are clearly in need of a whole lot more. But the truth is that all people are in need of everything which Jesus offers. Whether we have lived a life of open rebellion or hidden pride, we are in need of Jesus’ relentless grace.

Taking our cue from this woman, the forgiveness we receive, then, frees us to extend Christ’s love to others—especially those society ignores, excludes, or condemns. Think about your own life. Who do you know that needs to experience the love of Jesus? What barriers might stand in your way? The good news? The love of Christ knows no bounds. Just as He welcomed a sinful woman into His presence, He welcomes us and calls us to join Him in that work of love and grace.