The Fruit Of Forgiveness. Series

• But both were in debt and neither had the means to pay.

• Please notice the generosity of the banker (vs 42):

• “So the banker cancelled both debts.”

Note:

• The point of this parable is not about the AMOUNT of sin in a person’s life,

• But rather the AWARNESS of that sin in a person’s life.

• Simon and the woman were both sinners.

• The woman knew that but Simon was blind to the fact.

• Simon was guilty of inward sins;

• e.g. Pride.

• The woman was guilty of outward sins;

• e.g. Adultery, immorality.

• Her sins were known,

• While Simon’s sins were hidden to everyone except God.

• And both of them were bankrupt and could not pay their debt to God.

• Simon was just as spiritually bankrupt as the woman, only he did not realize it.

• The woman was guilty of sins of commission,

• But Simon was guilty of sins of omission.

ill:

• This parable is a bit like a bee;

• It has a sting in the tale!

• Verse 42b is the sting in the parables tale:

• Jesus said; “Which will love him more?”

Now Simon may be proud but he is not stupid.

• He very quickly figured out the meaning of this illustration.

• But he has a problem;

• The story is very simple and so he cannot plead ignorance by saying;

• "He does not know"

• But if he gives the correct answer, he will condemn himself publicly;

• Look at how he weasels out the answer;

• Verse 43: Simon replied,

• "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled."

• What do you mean; "I suppose? "

• He knows exactly what the answer is but he was not big enough to admit it!

• Quote: Alfred Plummer says of his answer:

• "He stated this with an heir of supercilious indifference"

Verse 43: Jesus simply replies: "You have judged correctly, "

• Jesus tells him: “Simon you have the right answer;

• But do you have the right understanding about what's taken place?

• You got the theory right,

• Can you not see how it relates in practice?”

(3). The Forgiving Saviour (vs 44-50).

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

• Despite the fact that Simon;

• Probably needed a bank loan to pay for his lavish party,

• Despite the fact that the food was plentiful, and perfectly prepared.

• Simon had missed the most important thing!

• In fact he had not been a good host at all to the Lord Jesus.

Ill: When a guest entered such a house three things were always done.

• (a). The host placed his hand on the guest’s shoulder and gave him the kiss of peace.