Knowing The Word in Luke 7:41-50, A Sinful Woman Forgiven

A denarius is the pay for a day’s labor. In this parable, 500 denarii represents almost two years of income. Jesus is teaching Simon that he had not seen the woman for who she truly was. He was only looking at her through judgmental eyes. When do we look at people judgmentally? What kind of people do you tend to be judgmental about? Notice that Jesus does not gloss over her sins. He calls them “many.” Yet her love of him is proof of her forgiveness. Simon has shown little love toward Jesus, suggesting he has been forgiven little. Forgiveness of sins is a divine prerogative. Faith is the means of receiving God’s gift of the forgiveness of our sins and the going forth to live a new life in peace.

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Church of England Alternative Service Book 1980