Loved Much, Forgiven Much
Hello Victors!
If you’re reading this, that is indeed what you are because here at The Victory Collective, we believe that we are more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37).
I took a break from writing last week because I was feeling under the weather, but I’m so glad to be back and clear minded and am ready for a new week. I’m also so glad that you’re taking 5 or so minutes to read today’s post. I hope it's an encouragement to you. If you read the last blog post, I discussed the gift of conviction. Go check it out!
As I was continuing my study of the parables of Jesus last week, I marveled when I thought about what it must have been like to be one of Jesus’ followers and students. To get to be with him and hear him teach multitudes or to overhear dinner conversations. Luckily, you and I do have that ability today because we have scripture with those very conversations recorded.
I invite you to a conversation around a table where Jesus uses an unwelcome guest to make a lasting point. Even the highly esteemed host needed this reminder, and we do too. See, you and I are just like the dear woman in this story and even the Pharisee because we are sinful, but we are forgiven. And those two things should impact how we now live.
I encourage you to look this up and listen to it being read. Put yourself at the table.
Luke 7:36-50
The first thing that really caught my eye when I read this passage was the setting. Jesus was invited to eat at the house of a Pharisee. Some scholars believe that this Simon was also Simon the leper in Matthew 26 and in Mark 14. I’ve seen it discussed that this is the man Jesus healed in Matthew 8:1-5. If this is the case, this man has had an experience with Jesus and now it has formed a relationship enough to invite him to eat at his house. I love that Jesus doesn’t think twice about eating with Simon and his guests. He sees it as an opportunity to serve. As they’re eating, they have another guest show up. And this lady is just the person we need because we’re similar.
Luke 7:36 — And behold, a woman of the city; who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment…
I imagine Jesus did know that Mary would show up, but Luke identifies her as a sinner, even a woman of the city. Mary is believed to have been a prostitute in the past. I wonder how she found Jesus? Because it said when she learned He was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house. How did she know which house and which Pharisee? Little details like this make this story great. She must have been desperate to find Jesus and share this beautiful act (as Matthew 26:10 says). I find that I relate to Mary because I am also a sinner. We also both have the same need because we need Jesus. I believe Jesus is trying to show to us that no matter who you are, you still need him.
Remember who is at this meal: a Pharisee who was a role model in that culture and highly esteemed, and a woman of the city. These are two vastly different people. Let this sink in. It doesn't matter if you're a pastor’s kid or on the run from Jesus because of your past or present choices. You and I are no different because we have each been touched with sin, and you and I are no different because we have the need of forgiveness.
Simon then goes on to think a secret thought (though not secret to Jesus). He says If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner (2:39).
Let me pause and remind you, she was forgiven by Jesus just as you have been. We as women can get caught up in our thoughts and emotions and forget who Jesus calls us and that he has indeed washed us clean. Don’t let Satan bring up guilt that has since been forgiven by your Savior. Jesus does know Mary’s past here, and he is about to remind Simon that he came to forgive Pharisees and sinners. Interesting also that Simon also forgets who HE was. He was a leper, an untouchable whom Jesus kindly and mercifully healed.
Imagine Simon coming out of his thoughts when he hears Jesus reply to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. Chills. Jesus then uses a story to teach a friend just how far his mercy and forgiveness reaches. Here’s the story —
“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
The moneylender forgave BOTH debts. That’s amazing, and that’s God’s mercy. Jesus then stops after the story and looks at Mary, but his words are directed toward Simon. Jesus is appreciative of Mary’s actions and points out Simon’s lack of thankfulness. But notice that Jesus is even merciful in how he speaks toward Simon in this way. He doesn’t bash him or speak harshly towards him. Jesus could have pointed his finger at him and shamed him in front of his guests. Instead, He speaks directly and honestly to him while valuing Mary’s selfless and humble actions. Jesus is direct yet kind with his lesson around the table.
Both the host and the guest were sinners and both needed forgiveness. And we’re told for Mary in verses 47-48 And he said to her Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” She was forgiven and so are you today.
Have you been forgiven much? Mary had. Has Jesus done something wonderful for you? He had done something wonderful for Simon, in healing him and maintaining a relationship with him. If you have experienced forgiveness, who are you sharing it with? Who are you extending forgiveness to? Christianity is not a competition for who is most holy. We are walking miracles of what Christ came to do and we should be thanking him more than we do and telling people more than we are because our history (even if it's messy) can be used for God’s glory.
Your gold nugget for this week is: You’ve been forgiven. Go celebrate it, go share it, and go extend it.