Forgiven much, forgiven little ∙
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. – Luke 7:47
Luke 7:37-50
37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,
38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
44 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.
45 “You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.
46 “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.
47 “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.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”
49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”
50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Things Many Do Not Know
By gently lifting your legs while lying on your back, you can avoid sinking into quicksand.
Celery actually burns more calories to consume than it contains, making it a negative-calorie food.
The adhesive on Israeli stamps is certified as kosher.
When bats leave a cave, they instinctively turn to the left.
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
Multiplying 111,111,111 by itself results in the sequence 12,345,678,987,654,321.
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs raised, it signifies the rider died in battle. One raised leg indicates the rider died due to wounds received in battle, while all legs on the ground mean the rider died of natural causes.
Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil.
During Shakespearean times, beds were secured with ropes for firmness, leading to the saying, “Goodnight, sleep tight.”
In ancient Babylon, for a month following a wedding, the bride’s father would provide unlimited mead, a honey-based beer, to the groom. Their calendar was lunar-based, and this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the “honeymoon” (Rashmi Jain).
A surprising 75% of readers will attempt to lick their elbow after reading this fact.
Spiritual Things Many Do Not Know
Our Heavenly Father is able to open our eyes to see what we cannot see. He often uses everyday experiences to teach us valuable lessons. The story of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee serves as a powerful illustration of sin and forgiveness.
Evil and wickedness wreak havoc in our souls and emotions. When we finally recognize the harm and eventual consequences of our sins, many of us experience a sudden awakening. Failing to acknowledge our wrongdoings is a regrettable sin in itself. As we become aware of our sins, our longing for forgiveness intensifies. The more significant the sin, the deeper our need for redemption. Relying solely on ourselves distances us from an intimate relationship with the Father and His forgiving love. Conversely, acknowledging our need opens us to His compassion and mercy.
Simon, a Pharisee, was intrigued by Jesus’ teachings and actions. Driven by curiosity, he invited Jesus to dinner to learn more about Him. However, Simon ended up learning more about himself. Jesus offered Simon a profound, all-important “aha” moment.
“Simon was conscious of no need and therefore felt no love, and so received no forgiveness. Simon’s impression of himself was that he was a good man in the sight of others and of God. The woman was conscious of nothing else than a burning need and therefore was overwhelmed with love for him who could supply it, and so received forgiveness” (Barclay).
REFLECT & PRAY
The one who has been forgiven much loves much, but the one who is forgiven little loves little.
Father, I am grateful that You showed me my sins and my need for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your mercy. As a sinner, I am deeply thankful for Your grace.
INSIGHT
John 16:8-11
8 And when he comes, he [the Holy Spirit] will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
The Father sent the Holy Spirit to reveal our need for forgiveness and salvation.
When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, it may highlight our stubborn hearts and reluctance to believe and seek forgiveness. At other times, it may emphasize the Father’s standards and how we fall short. Sometimes, the focus is on the consequences of our actions and the certainty of judgment. The Father embodies absolute holiness, righteousness, and goodness.
Some of us resemble Simon, unaware of our sinful behavior and feeling no need for forgiveness. We often compare ourselves to others and think we are pretty good. However, the Father sees things as they really are. His assessments and judgments are objective and perfect. His standard of measure is not relative or arbitrary. His standard is His own holiness, righteousness, and goodness.
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
The Father’s response to sin is not one of repulsion or rejection. Instead, out of His love, He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins. By accepting Him as our Savior, we receive forgiveness. This offer of forgiveness extends to everyone, even the worst among us.
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let’s settle this, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.
None of us are too bad to be forgiven. But some of us think we are too good to need forgiveness.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 