Sunday, March 19, 2023
As a church, we are reading through the book of Luke in the weeks leading up to Easter. If you haven't signed up yet, text Luke to 419-419-0707. The LivingItOut devotions will be elaborating on one aspect of the Luke reading for that day. Please note that because the LIO is following the Luke Reading Plan, you will receive corresponding devotions on Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the plan. The LIO will return to its regular M-F schedule once the reading plan is completed.
Do you think any of us are greater sinners than others?
It’s easy to think that, isn’t it? Although I recognize I’m far from perfect, I’d be tempted to think the same. Some sins just seem worse than others. This was perhaps even more notable during Jesus’ time when associating with “certain” people would make you unclean. Yet, Jesus made this a teachable moment, and we too can learn from him.
In Luke 7:36-50, we see Jesus interact with someone described as “a certain immoral woman” (v. 37) while he’s dining with a Pharisee. The Pharisee comments to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” (v. 39) Jesus then proceeds to tell this parable:
“‘A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?’
Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt’” (vv. 41-43).
Jesus summarizes his point by saying, “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”
Who in this story do you relate to the most?
If I’m being honest, I relate to the Pharisee more than the immoral woman. I have a reputation of being a relatively “good” person … still, only relatively good. Like I said before, I’m far from perfect. There are things in my past I deeply regret—times I’ve known the right thing to do, and chosen to do something different; times I’ve hurt others.
In this story, the Pharisee demonstrates pride and a lack of empathy, both of which are sins that I think are painful for God to witness. Some of the most damaging actions committed in our world are done by people with great confidence in their righteousness.
Here’s the point I’m trying to make: We all have an unpayable debt. Even if some of us owe “more” to God than others, we all owe more than we could possibly pay on our own. We all owe him everything. Some of us are just more aware of it than others.
Perhaps our love for Jesus is most dependent on our humility—our willingness to acknowledge the ways we’ve fallen short.
Romans 3:23-24
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
To be clear, I’m not trying to heap shame on you, or me, or anyone—just self-awareness. We can be humble and still hold our heads up high, knowing we are forgiven, chosen, and loved by the King of all kings. With that in mind, to those of you who relate to the woman and feel your sins are many, I want to leave you with the words Jesus spoke to her:
Luke 7:48b, 50b
48b “Your sins are forgiven.” … 50 b “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Questions:
Who do you relate to more—the Pharisee or the immoral woman? How is God speaking to you through this story? What does it look like to live redeemed, balancing gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice with confidence that you’ve been made clean?
Next Steps:
Write down something that you need to get off of your heart. Give it to God and let it go. Start a gratitude journal. If you need help finding freedom for hurts, habits, or hang-ups, check out Celebrate Recovery.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know the debt of my sins was more than I could ever pay. Thank you for your sacrifice that made salvation possible. Teach me to live a life that reflects this gift, through my humility, gratitude, and joy. Help me to show your love to those around me. May your will be done in me and through me.