Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Two Debtors is a teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 7:36-50. This parable is set within the context of a dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee, where Jesus is an invited guest. The narrative unfolds with a sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet with perfume, an act that prompts a significant teaching moment through the parable.Context and Setting In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is dining at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. During the meal, a woman known in the city as a sinner approaches Jesus. She brings an alabaster jar of perfume, weeps at His feet, and wipes them with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume. Simon, observing this, internally questions Jesus' prophetic status, thinking that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know the kind of woman who is touching Him. The Parable In response to Simon's thoughts, Jesus tells the parable of the two debtors: > "Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both. Which one, then, will love him more?" (Luke 7:41-42). Simon answers that the one who was forgiven more would love more. Jesus affirms Simon's answer, using it to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. Interpretation and Meaning The parable serves as a powerful illustration of forgiveness and love. The two debtors represent individuals with varying degrees of sin, yet both are unable to repay their debts. The moneylender, symbolizing God, forgives both debts freely. The key lesson is that the depth of one's love and gratitude is often proportional to the recognition of the forgiveness received. Jesus uses this parable to contrast the attitudes of Simon and the sinful woman. Simon, who perceives himself as righteous and in little need of forgiveness, shows little love or hospitality to Jesus. In contrast, the woman, aware of her great sin and the forgiveness she receives, demonstrates profound love and devotion. Theological Implications The parable underscores the boundless grace and mercy of God, who forgives sinners regardless of the magnitude of their sins. It highlights the importance of recognizing one's own sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness. The parable also emphasizes that those who are forgiven much, love much, illustrating the transformative power of grace in a believer's life. Application For believers, the Parable of the Two Debtors serves as a reminder to remain humble and aware of one's own need for forgiveness. It encourages a response of love and gratitude towards God, who offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The parable also challenges believers to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting the character of God in their interactions. In summary, the Parable of the Two Debtors is a profound teaching of Jesus that reveals the nature of divine forgiveness and the appropriate human response of love and gratitude. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of grace and a more profound expression of love towards God and others. Nave's Topical Index Luke 7:41-47There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. Nave's Topical Index Library The Two Debtors The Two Debtors. Christ Teaching by Parables Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. Monitions of Christ to the Apostles in Regard to Prudence in their ... The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Feast at Simon's House The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56 On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who ... Resources What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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