Dinner at Simon's House - Pt 3

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.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” (Luke 7:39-43 ESV).

Jesus’ answer is an incredible lesson on the effect of grace. He gives us a very clear insight into our basic nature. When we recognize how much we need the forgiveness and restoration of God we are much better equipped to express gratitude to God. When we realize the expansive nature of the grace of God we are so much better able to reach the depth of this new relationship God has initiated with us. Our problem is that we rarely consider ourselves “great sinners.” The Apostle Paul learned that principle more as he lived his new life of grace. Look at his progression: For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:9 ESV). Paul writes this declaration early in his ministry. He does admit that he is “least”; however, he qualifies that by saying he is least of the apostles who were considered the greatest of the leaders of the church. According to the thought of the religious of that day this still made him greater than most of those who believed. It was a start in his transformation, but no where near where he would end. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. (Ephesians 3:8 ESV). A few years later, Paul has had much opportunity to understand the great grace of God toward him and he now changes his estimation of his own need. He is now the “least of all saints.” That declaration certainly goes further, but it still elevates him above others. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV). Now the apostle has come to a full understanding; he is the “foremost” sinner. Don’t misunderstand. This is not saying something bad about the apostle. On the contrary, it is making an incredible declaration of grace and gratitude. It is the foundation of his being able to say later in this letter that he has received such great mercy and love that he is now “ready to be poured out” so that he can receive his “crown of righteousness” reserved by Jesus (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-7). The woman who joined Jesus for dinner at Simon’s house knew this as well. Do you?