October 14th, 2026
Scripture – “Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.”
Luke 7:40-43 NIV
Observation – Jesus is having dinner at a Pharisee’s house when a sinful woman walks in and pours perfume on Jesus, kisses his feet and drys his feet with her hair. The Pharisee said to himself, “If this man were a prophet he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” Jesus then tells the story about two men that owed money to a lender. One had a huge debt, the other a small debt but neither could pay him back so he forgave both debts. Jesus asked Simon, who loved that moneylender more, Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
Application – Only God and you know your heart. Do you view yourself as doing pretty good in life and only have a small debt to be forgiven or do you view yourself as hopelessly lost and condemned without Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for your sin? Do look at other people and feel just a little pride that you are doing more for God and living a holier life than most or do you look at your life and praise Jesus that through his death you have been forgiven and adopted as his child. Simon answers Jesus’ question with “I suppose” which indicates a reluctant agreement. Simon wanted his righteousness to be credited to his account versus putting all of his hope in God’s grace and love. Who are you today, Simon or the sinful woman?
Prayer – Lord, thank you for paying a debt we could never pay so we can know you today and for eternity. Amen.
