The Biggest Debtor

March 31

(Luke 7:36-50 NIV)  ““Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. {37} When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, {38} and 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." {40} Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. {41} "Two men 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 canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" {43} Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.””

(1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV) “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. {16} But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. {17} Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

As Jesus dined at the home of a Pharisee named Simon, a “sinful woman” came in off the street, weeping profusely. She used her tears to wash Christ’s feet and anointed Him with expensive perfume. Simon thought if Jesus was a holy prophet, He would have known who was touching Him and would have refused to allow it. Jesus taught Simon that those who owe the biggest debts, love the most when forgiven. The Pharisees didn’t think they needed much forgiveness. We still see this attitude today! Some church people don’t feel like much of Christ’s blood was needed for their sins. Their sin didn’t drive any nails. They grew up in church. They know all the hymns and important Bible verses. They think it was all those bad sinners who caused Christ’s death. Like Simon, they are self-righteous fools. Do not be found among them. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day