Connecting the Remnant

The Parable of the Two Debtors is found in the Gospel of Luke 7:41-43, within the context of a dinner hosted by Simon, a Pharisee. In this brief but profound story, Jesus reveals deep truths about forgiveness, love, and the way we perceive ourselves. While the parable directly addresses Simon's attitude toward a sinful woman, it also teaches an important lesson about the way we understand our own sinfulness and the grace of God. Let’s explore the meaning behind this parable and its broader implications for our lives.

The Setting: A Pharisee's Dinner

The parable takes place during a meal at Simon the Pharisee's home, where Jesus was invited as a guest. As the dinner unfolds, a woman known for her sinful past enters the house, approaches Jesus, and begins to weep. She washes His feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints them with expensive perfume. Simon, observing this, silently judges both the woman and Jesus, thinking, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him—she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39, NLT).

Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, addresses the underlying issue with a parable.

The Parable of the Two Debtors

In the parable, Jesus tells the story of two debtors. One owed a large sum of money, while the other owed a smaller amount. Neither debtor could repay what they owed, but their lender graciously forgave both debts. Jesus then asks Simon, “Which of them will love the lender more?” Simon answers correctly, saying that the one forgiven the larger debt would love more.

The Point: Love and Forgiveness

Jesus uses the parable to highlight the woman’s love and gratitude, contrasted with Simon’s lack of hospitality and indifference. The woman, though considered sinful, shows great love because she recognizes the depth of her sin and the forgiveness she needs. Simon, on the other hand, views himself as righteous and in less need of forgiveness, resulting in his cold and judgmental attitude.

Jesus makes it clear that the level of love shown is connected to the level of forgiveness one perceives. The greater the recognition of forgiveness, the greater the love.

A Lesson for Us: Perception of Sin and Grace

This parable offers more than just a snapshot of Simon’s heart or the woman’s devotion. It also provides a timeless lesson for us about how we view our own sin. Many of us may not fully understand the seriousness of our own wrongdoing. Like Simon, we may compare ourselves to others, thinking, “I’m not as bad as them,” and as a result, we might believe that we need less grace or that our forgiveness came at a lesser cost.

But the truth is that all sin is significant in God’s eyes. Whether our debt is large or small, we are all in need of God’s forgiveness. The danger of downplaying our sin is that it diminishes our understanding of grace and, ultimately, the depth of our love and gratitude toward God.

The Cost of Forgiveness

At the heart of this parable is the realization that forgiveness always comes at a cost—Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Whether we perceive our sins as great or small, the price of forgiveness is the same: Jesus gave His life so that we could be forgiven. The more we understand the depth of His sacrifice, the more we will be moved to love Him in return.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Two Debtors is a powerful reminder that our perception of sin affects our relationship with God. Those who truly grasp the weight of their sin and the cost of their forgiveness will respond with deep love and devotion, just as the woman in the story did. In contrast, those who minimize their need for grace may miss out on the transformative power of God’s forgiveness.

As we reflect on this parable, let us strive to see ourselves as we truly are: forgiven sinners, no better or worse than anyone else, but equally in need of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Only then can we truly appreciate the magnitude of His love and respond with the same in return.