A Tale of Two Sinners
Luke 7:36-50

1. The setting: A Pharisee’s reception
36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. Luke 7:36 (ESV)

2. The plot: A sinful woman’s affection
37 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, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37-38 (ESV)

3. The twist: Jesus’ parabolic question
39  Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “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.” 40  And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 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?” Luke 7:39-42 (ESV)

4. The answer: The Pharisee’s hesitant recognition
43  Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” . . .  Luke 7:43 (ESV)

5. The moral: Love’s forgiven disposition
43   . . .  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.” Luke 7:43-47 (ESV)

19  We love because he first loved us. 20  If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21  And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21 (ESV)

6. The message: the woman’s declared salvation
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.” Luke 7:48-50 (ESV)