Here is one of the parables Luke gives us which are not found in the other gospels. It is very short - only two verses, but is tremendously powerful in the hands of Jesus as he applies it to the other two people involved in the unusual incident. Simon the cold heart was a Pharisee. This group of legalists is mentioned 28 times in Luke. Almost every time they are shown in opposition to Christ. It would be interesting to know why Simon invited Christ to his home. Simon's re-action was obvious and it was that which moved Christ to tell this brief story. It is interesting that in the parable, the two men owed money to the same person. That is our position. Our debt of sin is owed to God. Both men had nothing to pay. We don't either. What a surprise when the money-lender said, 'I forgive you both .' Now came the pointed finger, at Simon. First the question 'Which of these two will love him more?'. Simon had to grudgingly admit it was the man with the bigger debt. Then Christ pressed home the application. 'You think you hardly need to be forgiven. This woman knows her need. Your pride will keep you back. She admits her position and she has been forgiven. No wonder she had done this.' How much have we been forgiven? Can we see this ourselves? Or is our pride still telling us that we are better than somebody else? Why not thank God for what he has done? Is there some practical, tangible way in which you can share your gratitude to him for his wonderful, continuing forgiveness? |
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