The Magnitude of Sin = The Magnitude of Love?
A. Misconceptions about sin (36-39)
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he 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.”
B. A Biblical understanding of the forgiveness of sin
1. Sin = our debt to God (40-43)
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 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?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
2. The magnitude of sin is not what is important (44-47)
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven―as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
C. Focusing on loving the Lord (47-50)
47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven―as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Summary
It is difficult for us to understand the full extent to which we have turned our backs on God and have lived self-centered lives. Therefore, we also lack the ability to determine with any accuracy the magnitude of someone else's sin. What the Bible teaches is that God forgives all sin completely. God focuses, not on the magnitude of our sin, but on the magnitude of the love that we demonstrate. Those who have been forgiven are strengthened by God's love and are changed into people who can love God and those around them.
For Discussion
1) Why did the woman do what she did for Jesus?
2) How can we love the Lord more?