Loving Much and Forgiven Much

Lk. 7:47

"Therefore I tell you, her sins which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."

What a contrast between the sinful woman and the Pharisee!

The Pharisee gave no water for His feet, but she wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

The Pharisee gave no kiss, but she kissed His feet unceasingly.

The Pharisee did not anoint His head, but she anointed His feet with ointment.

Her love was demonstrated by her humble adoration. Even though the Pharisee thought she was a sinner of the worst kind, she gave Jesus freely of what she had. She was not hindered by his attitude in her worship. She didn't anoint and kiss Jesus' head, but instead kissed and anointed His feet. But not so with the Pharisee who merely gave him a place at the table (not a place of prominence), and who didn't even meet the physical or spiritual needs of His guest. In fact, he criticized Jesus for allowing the sinful woman to adore Him, and then proceeded to doubt his spiritual credentials. What a difference in heart attitude between these two people!

Jesus then taught the principle. Her many sins were forgiven because she loved so much, but the one who loves little, is forgiven little. Did the Pharisee understand that he was the one who loved little? Or was he so puffed up with his self-righteousness that he couldn't imagine that he was anything but spiritually perfect? Those at the table watching the scene wondered at the power that Jesus had, but the Pharisee never wondered about anything. Not only did he love little, have little forgiven, but he had little true understanding. How blinding and devastating is self-righteousness!

Father,

Help me always to come to You on 'foot' level. Refocus my eyes to see You and not my self. Help me never to fear others in showing my love and devotion for Jesus.

In Jesus name, Amen