The Life and Ministry of Jesus
And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Luke 7:40–43
The parable does not deal with the amount of sin in a person’s life but the awareness of that sin in his heart. How much sin must a person commit to be a sinner? Simon and the woman were both sinners. Simon was guilty of sins of the spirit, especially pride, while the woman was guilty of sins of the flesh.
Her sins were known, while Simon’s sins were hidden to everyone except God. And both of them were bankrupt and could not pay their debt to God. Simon was just as spiritually bankrupt as the woman, only he did not realize it. 1
Personal Encouragement
Why is it so easy to see the sins of others, and to hide your own sins? Jesus sees what you try to hide. Will you come clean before His holy presence today?
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18
It is not the amount of sins, it is the amount of forgiveness for our sins.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for revealing my sinful heart, and for still wanting to love me.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
