Different Debtors, Different Love:

Context:

- after pointing out that some people can never be pleased,

- Jesus enters a Pharisee's house and reclines at the table.

- a sinful woman, likely a prostitute, wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and anointed Him with perfume.

- the Pharisee makes some silent judgments about what he thinks Jesus doesn't know about the woman.

- Jesus, knowing SImon's thoughts, uses the opportunity to teach about the relationship of love and forgiven debt.

Luke 7:40-42 "...Simon, I have something to say to you." And he replied, "Say it, Teacher." "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. "When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?..."

Was this an easy question to answer? Did Simon answer correctly?

Luke 7:43 "...Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly..."

Luke 7:44-48 "...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. "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. "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." Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven..."

Why were the woman's sins forgiven?

- will foot washing, kissing, and anointing result in salvation?

- these actions were a result of her great love for Jesus.

- was Jesus the most important person in the world to her?

- is this the type of response Jesus expects of us?

How great is our love for Jesus?

Have we been forgiven little or much?

Luke 7:50 "...And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace..."

What faith did the woman possess?

To what does faith lead?

- salvation - freedom from the bondage and penalty of sin.

- peace - a new perspective, attitude, and sense of security.

Did the dinner guests understand what was happening?

Do people think Jesus can offer salvation and peace?