Jesus’ Life: Chapter 6 – Jesus’ Ministry In Galilee (Part 2)
How can forgiveness be measured? Perhaps, one way is to quantify the amount of love required in return to remove each of our sins!
While Jesus was having dinner at the home of a Pharisee, a woman stood behind Him weeping. As her tears fell on his feet she dried them with her hair and then kissed and anointed them with perfume oil. The Pharisee was very disappointed that Jesus had allowed her to do this because she was a sinner.
Jesus, knowing the Pharisee’s thoughts, said to him, “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts of both. Now, which of them will love him more?” The Pharisee answered, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled.” Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
Jesus, then turning to the woman, said to the Pharisee, “…I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little loves little.” (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, John 12:1-8)
Thought
The many messages in this story include:
- We need to celebrate repentance; the Pharisee didn’t rejoice at the woman’s repentance! How wonderful it was that the woman had turned to Jesus for forgiveness.
- The greater our sins, the greater the love we must show in return to have them forgiven. The woman had many sins, she washed Jesus’ feet, covered them in kisses and anointed them with perfume oil.
We are all indebted to God, for the forgiveness of our sins; endless love is due.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, for the unlimited mercy you have shown to me, I thank You.
Glory and praise to You, forever.
Prayer: Renewal
Lord Jesus,
give us humility wherever pride reigns,
pardon wherever offence abides,
grace wherever sin abounds;
we pray to you;
Jesus Christ, risen Lord,
have mercy on us. Amen.
