Two Debtors
Pastor Tan Thai · May 28, 2023
This sermon presents the parable of two debtors through Jesus's teaching to the Pharisee Simon. Through the image of a sinful woman anointing Jesus's feet with fragrant oil, the sermon emphasizes that those forgiven much will love much more. It contrasts self-righteous judgment with humble acceptance of God's grace.
The opening section presents the context of the sermon: a Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to eat at his house. Meanwhile, a sinful woman from the city heard that Jesus was reclining at table there, and brought an alabaster jar filled with fragrant oil. This woman stood behind Jesus weeping, wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Her emotional devotion and love stood in sharp contrast to Simon's cold indifference as the host.
The second section develops the theological lesson through Jesus's teaching. Jesus teaches Simon through the parable of two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, another fifty. Since neither could pay, the creditor forgave both. Jesus asks: "Of the two, who will love him more?" Simon rightly answers that it is the one forgiven a larger debt. Through this, Jesus teaches that love for God is proportional to one's understanding of the salvation grace received. Scripture emphasizes in Luke 7:47 that "her sins, which were many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
The third section applies the message to the congregation's practical life by analyzing the contrast between attitudes. Simon, a proud Pharisee, did not provide water for Jesus's feet, did not kiss Him, did not anoint His head, but merely sought to maintain his religious image. In contrast, the sinful woman, though aware of her guilt, displayed genuine repentance and profound love. Jesus declared that "your sins are forgiven" and "your faith has saved you; go in peace." The sermon warns against the sin of judging others (Matthew 7:1-5) and calls the congregation to humble themselves so that they may be exalted by God (Luke 18:14).
The fourth section emphasizes that forgiveness is the key to relationship with God. Jesus teaches about forgiving one another according to Matthew 6:14-15: "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This shows that love of God and love of neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40) are the two greatest commandments. The sermon calls believers to understand that being forgiven is not a matter of worthiness but of receiving grace.