Scripture for Today: Luke 7:41-42  “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender.  One owed him five hundred denari and the other fifty.  Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debt of both.  Now which of them will love him more?”

With the exception of houses and cars, we normally do not purchase items “on time.” But early in our marriage we made an exception for this piano. My husband knew how important piano playing was to me and so one day he surprised me. He had it wrapped in a big red bow! When the monthly bills began to arrive, the amount of interest required took the joy right out of that purchase! In fact, it bothered him so much, we quickly paid the piano off ahead of time.

In today’s verse, Jesus is speaking to Simon, a pharisee. Simon is appalled that a sinful woman would dare to anoint the feet of Jesus. This pharisee’s self-righteous thinking was challenged with a short parable. Those who have been forgiven much will love much. Those who have been forgiven little will only love a little (verse 47).  Both debtors have had their debt erased. But the one with the bigger debt is more motivated to show love and gratitude.

The more I realize the enormity of my sin, the more amazed I am that Christ paid my debt. The more I realize the ugliness of my heart, the more grateful I am for His cleansing. When I take a good hard look at myself, I realize that Jesus has forgiven me “much.” My debt for sin was huge and impossible to pay. How thankful I am that He paid my debt! And how much better to be indebted to His grace!  “Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.”

Thank you Lord, for erasing my debt!

(Look familiar? This is another repost from 2014)