And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luke 7:42
Dear Church and Friends,
Love is such a tricky, fickle word. In our day, it tends to mean a romantic emotion tending toward a sexual expression. We often emphasize compassion and desire over fidelity and sacrifice.
In Luke 7:40-50 Jesus gave a short parable on the subject of love. Let’s breakdown the story into its parts.
- (Verse 41) There was a certain creditor. Jesus created a situation that comes right out of everyday living. We know about creditors and the trap of borrowing and lending.
- which had two debtors: Where there is a creditor there is always a debtor. Solomon tells us about this relationship in Proverbs 22:7.
- the one owed five hundred pence, This was an extreme debt! anyone under this amount of debt was in trouble.
- and the other fifty. While a lot of money, this was more manageable. The debtor in this case was probably able with time and focus to pay it off.
- (Verse 42) And when they had nothing to pay, They were both insolvent and reckoning day had come just like in the parable of Matthew 18:23-35.
- he frankly forgave them both. Here is where the parable turns. We would never expect a creditor to forgive a debt. This is welcomed grace, not earned but simply given.
- Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? So why does love come in here? Unexpected grace always produces love. We bond instantly with those who give freely and without thought of reward.
But how much do we love? Simon loved Jesus but he didn’t show it very well. Love had not motivated him to wash Jesus feet or even provide for His feet to be washed. Love had not motivated him to greet him with a kiss as Jesus entered his house. Love had not motivated him to anoint Jesus as his honored guest. Simon showed little love.
Maybe he thought because he was a good person, a Pharisee who kept the Law and lived a strict life, that he was not so bad. Remember that whether 500 or 50 both were unable to pay. Both would face outer darkness without forgiveness. Simon forgot all about his debt. It did not motivate his love.
What about you? What did the Creditor forgive for you? How great was your debt? Your debt was so large and you were so insolvent that you could never pay it back. Does that motivate your love? We all forget sometimes, like Simon, we don’t show our love. Take time to consider how you are showing your love for His gracious forgiveness.
Music: Build My Life by Housefires.
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188
May not this life be lost, as it was in Adam?
No, for our flesh is joined personally with the Fountain of life.
189
Then all men are sure of this life?
Not so, but only those who are joined with Him spiritually.
190
What then does our carnal union with Christ avail for us?
Nothing, without our spiritual union with Him.
191
What purpose is served by His mother’s virginity?
It is a seal of His miraculous conception.
All my best.
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Luke 7:43
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