Parable of the Two Debtors
Luke 7:41-43
Biblical Text
"Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
— Luke 7:41-43 (NIV)
Context
Jesus told this parable at a Pharisee's house when a sinful woman anointed His feet. The parable responds to Simon the Pharisee's judgmental attitude toward the woman and his failure to show basic hospitality to Jesus.
Theological Interpretation
This parable illustrates the relationship between forgiveness and love. It shows that those who recognize the magnitude of their forgiveness often respond with greater love and gratitude. The parable challenges self-righteousness while affirming the connection between receiving mercy and showing love.
Practical Applications
Recognition of Debt
- •All are debtors to God's grace
- •Self
- •righteousness blinds us to our need
- •Honest assessment leads to gratitude
Grace and Response
- •Forgiveness produces love
- •Greater awareness leads to greater gratitude
- •Love flows from received mercy
Heart Examination
- •Comparing our response to mercy
- •Avoiding self
- •righteous judgment
- •Cultivating grateful love