When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “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. Then 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. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

What is the biggest hang-up you have that keeps you (or can keep you) from full surrender to Jesus Christ? When I think of Simon the Pharisee, it is clear his hang-up was pride. He was very proud of the life he lived, the societal position he had, the knowledge he had worked hard to attain, and the respect from others he had earned (or maybe demanded).
Jesus hits him upside the head spiritually with a stinging rebuke. Religion without a relationship with Jesus Christ is hollow, fake, and lifeless. Jesus loved others in relationship deeply. This was the evidence, or the fruit, of his faith in God. Simon did not have this evidence in his life. He did not love as God loved. Therefore, by definition, the life he lived was corrupt and sinful.

This is such a powerful story, and it sheds light on the value system in the kingdom of God. God values humble, repentant hearts. People who look good on the outside but have corrupted hearts, their hearts are repulsive to him.

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

So friends of mine, let us pursue and seek out and grasp toward whatever helps us love much! The things in our lives that keep this love from being displayed, must be ruled out and cut off. We cannot live alongside the world, valuing its priorities and God’s at the same time.

Lord, continue to soften and melt my heart in your presence. May I weep and wail over my sin! May I daily turn to you and, in humbleness, seek out your priorities.