Sins Forgiven, Much Love
Luke 7:36-50
One evening, I sat with a young woman who began to share her deep personal story of regret and shame. She spoke about her poor choices in high school and college. Her sorrow and tears were genuine as she asked me, “Can Jesus forgive me after my foolish and sinful lifestyle?”
My heart swelled with compassion, mercy, and love for this woman. The Lord has given me the privilege to sit with numerous women who have expressed similar words of anguish, grief, and guilt. Satan focuses his attacks on the failures and sins of God’s children. He seeks to render believers ineffective and uses the destructive tools of guilt, shame, self-condemnation, and regret.
Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. After he arrived, a woman with a sinful reputation entered the room and knelt behind Jesus. The Scriptures do not tell her name, but we know she wept as she anointed his feet with expensive ointment.
And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at a table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
- Luke 7:37-38
Can you picture the scene at this formal dinner? Some dinner guests were uncomfortable as the fragrance slowly diffused into the room. Why was she present? Simon the Pharisee watched from his position at the table and thought, “How can this man be a prophet but not know this woman's sinful lifestyle? Jesus should not let her come near him or touch his feet.” Simon’s thoughts were judgmental of the woman and critical of Jesus. However, Jesus knew exactly what Simon was thinking.
Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.
- Luke 7:40
Jesus shared the story of a moneylender and two debtors—one person owed 500 denarii, and the other owed 50 denarii. Neither person had the funds to repay their debt. However, the man who loaned the money demonstrated kindness and mercy when he chose to forgive each one’s debt. Jesus looked at the Pharisee and asked this poignant question.
Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said.
- Luke 7:42-43
Jesus replayed the events of the evening. He had entered Simon’s house, and no one offered to wash his feet. This custom of hospitality welcomed guests and was the host’s act of kindness because people in Israel wore sandals and walked on dusty roads. Hosts greeted their guests with a kiss and anointed their heads with oil. Jesus pointed out the kindnesses this woman had done for him since he had entered the house.
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
- Luke 7:44-46
This woman’s posture—kneeling behind Jesus—and her tears are examples of her humility and broken spirit as she comes into his presence. She serves him through her practical actions and brings an offering of rare perfume to show her gratitude.
Friend, this woman was aware of her sinful lifestyle and a great need for forgiveness. When she arrived at dinner, she humbled herself and bowed before the one person who could forgive her many sins. It didn’t matter who was staring at her or what they might be whispering about her; she did not want to live in shame, guilt, and self-condemnation one day longer.
“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” … “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
- Luke 7:47-48, 50
“When you admit how deep and comprehensive your problem is … you get excited about the rescue that only God’s mercy can supply.” –Paul D. Tripp
Head to Heart
First, we must acknowledge that we are dead in our trespasses and sins. Our need is desperate, and we bring our broken hearts before Him, asking for His forgiveness in every dark corner of our lives.
Second, we confess our need for a personal Savior. Lord, I know You can make my heart new, and I bow before You. I recognize that it is impossible for me to fix the brokenness in my life.
Finally, we stand up, knowing we have been forgiven and cleansed of our sins. Then, Jesus commands us to “go in peace.” We walk with Him and serve Him faithfully.
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