She loved much

Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

One of the most beautiful stories in the Gospel records is the story of the woman with the alabaster box, who came into the house of Simon the Pharisee, while Jesus was there eating. She was a sinner, as everyone knew, and was all but an outcast in the city. Everyone knew her! She was not respected; she was likely an untouchable. And yet, as Jesus was seated in the house, she came to Him, and began weeping, wiping His feet with her hair, and anointing His feet with ointment. This was a show of affection, a display of her love for Him. For she knew that He would forgive her sin. She came in faith. She did this knowing that He, of all people on earth, would show her compassion. She knew that she was a sinner, but she knew that He was a great Savior!

Now, Simon was not too fond of this expression of love that she showed Him, because he viewed only her sinful state. He only saw her as unworthy, unfit, and unbecoming of such a love-display on the Lord. He thought, “This man, if He were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: for she is a sinner!” Surely, He would not allow this! But that is because he did not know the Savior. He did not realize that his own sins were many, and he also was in great need of forgiveness. So, in order to teach this man the truth, Jesus tells a parable of a creditor and two debtors. One debtor owed him five hundred pence, and the other fifty. The creditor frankly forgave both debts because neither of them had the ability to pay. Jesus asked which one of these debtors would love their master more. Simon was discerning enough to answer that the one to whom he forgave most would love most. And Jesus said, “Thou hast rightly judged.”

Now, let me ask you this morning, my brother or sister: how much has Christ forgiven you? Do you know how much He has forgiven? Every evil thought, every cross word, and every unwise deed? Have you thought of the massive enormity of offenses that have been wiped from your account? Have you given this thought? Her sins, which were many, were forgiven! For she loved much! Do you love much? You would love much if you thought of all that Christ has done for you. I, speaking personally, have been forgiven more sins than can be counted. What a glorious and wondrous Savior we have! Love Him much! Worship Him! Adore Him! Give all to Him! Live to love Him, for He came to love you, and He lives forevermore that you may also live. Do you love Him much?

“Dear Lord, all we may say this morning is, ‘My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine.’ You have forgiven each of us a great deal. And we, like this sinful woman, just want to bow at Your feet, weep, and wash Your feet with our tears. For we exude with gratitude and thanksgiving for Your abundant forgiveness that has been lavished upon us. We praise You, we love You, and we thank You. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.”