The Debt of Love

Open your bible with me to Luke 7:36-50

In Providence, Rhode Island, a municipal judge named Frank Caprio became well-known far beyond his courtroom—NOT for being harsh or unyielding, but for his deep compassion and mercy.

He recently passed away, but Judge Caprio was known for listening intently to every person who came before him. He heard NOT just the facts, but the human story behind the mistakes—whether it was a single mother struggling to pay a parking ticket, a man trying to keep a job while facing financial hardship, or a young person facing consequences for a poor decision.

One story that stands out is of a woman who appeared for a minor traffic violation. She couldn’t afford the fine and was visibly stressed. Instead of rushing to judgment, Judge Caprio paused, asked questions, and sought to understand her situation. Recognizing her genuine struggle, he waived fines and paid the penalty— NOT because he ignored the law, but because he applied grace within justice.

His courtroom was a place where justice was balanced with mercy. He didn’t dismiss wrongdoing, but he offered forgiveness and second chances that changed lives.

This is precisely what we see in Luke 7with the sinful woman. She approaches Jesus, broken and burdened by her past, expecting condemnation. But Jesus does something remarkable—He offers forgiveness, not judgment. Jesus looks past her former sin and sees her heart.

Sermon Summary:  Forgiven Sinners love their Savior.

Sincere Surrender: The woman humbly comes to Jesus, expressing her repentance through tears and acts of love.

Self-Righteousness: The Pharisee stands judgmental and blind to his own need for forgiveness.

Saving Grace: Jesus pronounces forgiveness, and the woman is transformed, her love a natural outpouring of gratitude.

A Heart in Question: Jesus challenges us—how does our own heart respond to grace?

Just like those who experience Judge Caprio’s mercy often respond with relief and gratitude, so too does the forgiven sinner respond with deep, sincere love. It’s the power of forgiveness transforming hearts.

Luke 7:36–50 ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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I. A Humble Heart (v.36-38)

On the heels of the rejection of the Pharisee and the lawyers, and the accusation of Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Luke is still concerned about giving us a picture of true faith. He’s been doing that by showing us those who doubt or lack faith. And now, he’ll give us a contrast of two hearts. One of faith, and one of no faith. And that’s demonstrated not just in their thoughts, but in their life, and specifically in their devotion and love for Christ.

Luke 7:36–38 ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.

So while the Pharisees were frustrated that Jesus ate with sinners and Tax Collectors…He is also willing to eat with Pharisees and the religious leaders as well. And now, a Pharisee invites Jesus to come dine in his home. This Pharisee, we know his name is Simon. NOT to be confused with Simon Peter. Though we’ve seen NOT in the home of another Simon’s House, namely Simon Peter’s, in Luke 4. But rather than being welcome and admired. This Pharisee seems to keep Jesus at a distance. We aren’t exactly sure why he invites Jesus into His home, but it seems to be more out of curiosity than reverence. He has questions about Jesus, but he’s not really sure.

And at this guy's house, these would have taken place with a courtyard, and really, anyone in the community could just sort of wander in; it was free rein for other guests and people within the community to come. So everyone is lounging around, they would lie down on their side, and kick their feet out and back behind them and off to the side.

And into Simon’s house, and the party, walks a woman. A woman who is known. Some believe this is Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned in Luke 8, but there is nothing to suggest that, and Luke doesn’t tell us that. Others say this is the woman of Bethany in Matthew 26, but in reality, this is a different account altogether. Luke simply doesn’t tell us who she is. But she is nonetheless known to everyone at this party. She is a woman of the city. It’s somewhat suggestive language. Most commentators believe this lady is a former prostitute. The languageLuke uses is pretty provocative and seems to hint at that possibility.

Nonetheless, this woman comes to bring an alabasterflask of ointment, likely Myrrh or NARD,  which is a very expensive ointment – about 300 Denari or about a year’s wage. Both the ointment and the alabaster flask was considered highly valuable. And she comes and approachesJesus, stands behind him, bends down, and though she probably told herself time and time again, don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry….when she stands behind Jesus' feet to anointHis feet, she just loses it. And she begins weeping, her tears begin to fall and wet Jesus feet, in which she realized there is no towel, and so she let her hair down, which is no small thing, women don’t just let their hair down in public, but for private and intimate moments., and she wipes Jesus feet with her hair, and she begins to kiss Jesus feet, and anoint them with the ointment!

I mean, this would have been quite the scene. It’s difficult to see here in the English translation, but in the Greek,  Luke uses the tenses of verbs that communicate ongoing and continuous action. That is, she is continuously weeping, continually wiping his feet, continually kissing his feet, and anointing Jesus. I mean, she’s just undone. She’s in awe of Jesus; she’s in gratitude. She’s enthralled. She’s worshiping. Serving and loving the Savior, and we’ll soon see that this is not just any Savior; Jesus is her Savior, her Messiah. She trusts the Lord. She had experienced the work of God’s grace!

And here is a woman, given over to gratitude and humility, that she would enter this party as a stranger. The courage to come, despite her former reputation. To come and, in no small way, cause somewhat of a scene. She’s bowing down, weeping, tear-soaked, in the position of a servant washing, kissing, and anointing the feet of Jesus. Saying you are set apart, you are to be honored and praised. In reverence and worship, in awe of the grace of God extended to her!

This is the heart of the redeemed saint. This is the heart of the humble. The heart that knows the weight of sin, but even more so, the weight of mercy. Her actions declare what her words may have struggled to express—that Jesus is worthy of it all. That nothing is too costly, no act too undignified, when it comes to honoring the One who forgives, restores, and calls sinners to Himself. This moment is NOT about performance—it’s about presence. The presence of grace is so overwhelming that it breaks down every barrier of shame and fear, and all that remains is worship.

This woman’s act of worship wasn’t polished or comfortable—it was raw, costly, and deeply personal. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She didn’t care who was watching. She was overwhelmed by grace, and she responded the only way she knew how: with tears, surrender, and extravagant love.

And that challenges us.

When was the last time we approachedJesus like that? Not with pretense, not just out of routine, but with hearts fully aware of what we’ve been forgiven? Her story reminds us that true worship flows from a heart that knows grace. It’s NOT about performance; it’s about presence. About being with Jesus. Honoring Him. Pouring out our lives at His feet, in humility of the gospel of Christ towards us!

May we be a church marked by that kind of love—grateful, humble, and unashamed to give Jesus our all because He is worthy.

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II. A Heart Obstructed (v.39-43)

Now we are introduced to a contrast. The woman, who was a sinner, is humbled by the grace of Christ, but this Pharisee has a much different response.

Luke 7:39 ESV

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

The problem most often cited with Jesus towards the Pharisee wasn’t their outward piety. It was their inward corruption. Matthew 23:27-28

Matthew 23:27–28 ESV

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

And that’s what you see here in this text. Here is a man who, on the outside, appears polished and pristine.  And so, even when he sees this scene going on. He’s got to be careful with his outward response. Wouldn’t want anyone to think less of us. Here is a man who is the epitome of seeing the speck in your neighbor's eye, but ignoring the log in your own (Luke 6:37-42).

He sees this woman, BUT all he sees is her flaw. He seesher sin. He sees her actions and judges them as improper. Though Jesus rejoices in them, this Pharisee only sees disdain. And certaintly, he makes a harsh judgment on this woman. What type of woman is this who is touching Jesus? This sort of woman. This sinner!! He has no problem seeing her sin, but he can’t seem to see his own. See buried in that statement and judge of her, is his own righteous judgment of himself.  Look at this woman, he says, FOR SHE IS A SINNER….But make no mistake about it. He’s a sinner too, but he just can’t see it. And he isn’t willing to admit his own corruption.

But notice, he’s NOT just making a judgment about her. He’s also making a clear judgment about Jesus. “If this man were a prophet.” In other words, see, I knew he wasn’t. And judges Jesus to be a false prophet, NOT based on anything he says, or anything He does, but based on the types of people who respond to His grace…..See, Jesus is no prophet, He says….I mean, look at him. Allowing this woman to touch him. If He knew about her, what type of woman she is, He wouldn’t be letting her touchHim.

He says these things, not audibly, but in his heart. Because that’s where we make judgment right, very rarely would we be willing to say it. But we are quick to think it. This guy finds safety in the judgment of his heart. And reveals his internal pride, self-righteousness, and also his disdain for Jesus.

And of course, Jesus does know what sort of woman this is, but he also knows the hearts of all men, including this Pharisee who is thinking these things in his heart. Jesus sees that too.

Luke 7:40–43 ESV

40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”  

(Now, when Jesus says I have something to say to you, that’s a paraphrase for, let’s go to school for a second. Jesus is about to lay the smackdown!) So he tells a parable.

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

So Jesus tells this parable of two debtors to teach a lesson on forgiveness and love. One debtor owed 500 denarii, while the other owed 50. Now, a denarius was a Roman coin that represented about one day's wage for a laborer. In modern terms, assuming a daily wage of around $120, the smaller debt would be equivalent to roughly $6,000, and the larger debt to about $60,000. For example, if one person had a $60,000business loan forgiven, and another had a $6,000 car loan forgiven, the one with the larger burden lifted would likely feel a deeper sense of appreciation.

Neither debtor could repay what they owed, so the lender forgave both, which is pretty shocking. And it’s meant to be shocking that both owed a debt, and both were forgiven!

Jesus then asked which of the two would love the lender more, and Simon correctly responded that it would be the one forgiven the greater debt.

Jesus uses this story to explain why a woman who had lived a sinful life showed such extravagant love toward Him—because she had experienced deep forgiveness. Jesus’ point illustrates that those who are forgiven much often show greater love and gratitude.

But you notice Simon’s response. I mean, I suppose the one who had the larger debt cancelled. Like, can you give a more half-hearted answer? Perhaps he knowsHe’s been caught. Perhaps he fears this is some sort of a trap. It’s no trap, but it is to show this Pharisee that his heart is ensnared in self-righteousness.

Jesus says, he hit the nail on the head. You judged rightly!! The issue here isn’t your ability to make the right judgment. You do that just fine. This issue is your own heart. It’s the pride in you that keeps you from making a right judgment of your own sin. You think you’ve got something to bring to the table. You’ve got something to offer me! You’ve got something owed to you! But this woman, well, she had everything coming to her!! Your problem, Simon, isn’t a lack of judgment; it’s a lack of humility. It’s a lack of brokenness. It’s a lack of seeing that you are a debtor!!  And until he does, he will never understand the kindof love that comes from being truly forgiven.

And that’s the danger of a heart obstructed—it’s NOT that it can’t see truth, it’s that something is in the way. For Simon, it wasn’t a lack of understanding; it was pride. His heart was blocked by self-righteousness, entitlement, and a false sense of spiritual strength. He could judge others clearly but couldn’t judge himself rightly. And because of that obstruction, he missed the beauty of grace right in front of him. The woman saw it—because she saw her need. She saw her debt and received forgiveness with open hands. But Simon’s pride stood in the way. Until that obstruction is removed, until we see ourselves as debtors too, we’ll never experience the kind of love, gratitude, and transformation that forgiveness brings.

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III. A Transformed Heart  (v.44-50)

Here we’re going to see the contrastclearly, of two hearts exposed before the Lord.

Luke 7:44–46 ESV

44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.

44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?

The answer, in one sense, is of course, I see this woman. You can’t NOT notice this woman. This scene was clearly unavoidable. He sees this woman. But in another sense. He’s clearly missed the point Jesus is making. And he doesn’t see this woman for who she truly is. He sins a sinner, but Jesus sees a grateful servant. Simon sees all she’s done wrong, and Jesus, see what she’s doing right. Simon sees her sin, but Jesus sees her love and devotion. Simon sees who he thinks she is, but Jesus sees the transformation in her heart.

So it’s an interesting question Jesus gives. And he givesit with a purpose.

Simon, “Do you see this woman? (he continues)

I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.

Jesus draws a clear contrast. To be fair, none of these things were laws or expectations for a host of a meal. But they were customary. They were hospitable. They would bestow honor on a guest. And I think it becomes clear that the motive for Simon to invite Jesus wasn’t so much to bestow honor upon Jesus, but to inquire something from him.

Jesus says, You invited me into your house. It’s customary to offer water to wash one’s feet, but you gave me no water.  It’s customary for the host to honor their guest who has traveled and were dusty, to wash their feet. The host wouldn’t do this, but they would ask that servant to do this for their guest. You didn’t do that, Simon. But this woman comes….and she has no servant. She is the servant! She has no basin, no water….But she comes with her tears! She’s brokenSimon, and she wipes my feet with her hair, and cleanses my feet with her tears.

It's customary to kiss the forehead and greet a guest when they arrive into their home. But you did NOT greet me with a kiss. Yet, she has NOT ceased to kiss my feet!

You did NOT anoint my head with any oil. It is customary to bestow blessings on those who come into your home. Often done with olive oil. And yet, she anointed my feet with ointment! This was costly to her! Here is a woman, do you see her? She’s humble. Unconcerned with her position, status, or the view of what others think about her. She’s given way to worship, honor, and devotion.

Simon, it appears you’ve done everything for yourself. And you are quite concerned with yourself. But you are unconcerned with me, Simon. You’ve done next to nothing for Jesus. Yet, this woman is willing to give everything to Christ, even at great cost to herself.

Luke 7:47–50 ESV

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Yes, SIMON! WHO IS THIS who forgives sins? This is the question that rises to the surface. Who is this Jesus?It’s the question Luke has been revealing to us all along! Who is Jesus, who has the authority to forgive sin?  

See, Simon, you are asking the wrong question. You were so concerned with the sin of another that you missed your own. And you missed the savior who has come into your own house!! And you look at Jesus in disdain, well, if he knew who this woman was…..Simon, it’s the wrong question. The reality is, Simon, if you knew who Jesus was, you’d be falling at His feet just like this woman had done. If you’d known the grace of God, you’d be broken in your sin. NOT snubbing your nose those who come to Jesus in humility. If you’d known the redemption she has known. You wouldn’t be standing at a distance and judging others. You’d be on your face in worship, like her!.

This woman had been transformed? How can I say that? See, there is a temptation to read this passage in a way and read something into this passage that’s NOT there. There is a temptation to read this passage and bring into it some form of works righteousness. Well, she’s forgiven because of what she does. That her works somehow earn her forgiveness, and that’s NOT what Jesus is communicating at all. In fact, he’s communicating the opposite. The Greek verb tense in v.48 (perfect passive indicative, “have been forgiven”) indicates prior forgiveness. I love the ESV translation, but I believe the NASB reflects this text more accurately. 48Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” (NASB)

That is, Jesus knew everything about her. And only Jesus sees the full story of this woman. He saw her past. He knew everything about her. And even when she comes in. Notice the reference in v.37. She is a woman of the city. And SHE WAS a sinner….But sinner no more! This woman had been transformed. And she comes and touches the savior, perhaps for the first time. But she touches the savior who had first touched her!! See, at some point, the Lord had done a work of grace in her heart. And so she comes only with the gift of gratitude in her hand, and filled with thankfulness in her heart for what Jesus had done for her!! …

And when she bowed down, it didn’t matter how much she said, don’t cry, don’t cry…what came gushing from her heart was gratitude for what Jesus had done for her! V.37FOR SHE WAS A SINNER!! And Jesus declares for all to hear, I’m NOT sure what you see when you see this woman, but let it be known. SHE HAS BEEN DECLARED FORGIVEN!! AND LET BE KNOWN SHE IS FORGIVEN!

And Jesus sees who she was ….He knows her when she comes in. He knows her past and present condition! And he knows what Simon and others say about her….And even what they are thinking about Jesus. And declare to her, I want them all to see the truth about you when you leave….YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU….You are redeemed!!  GO IN PEACE!

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IV. A Heart In Question

The point is crystal clear. This woman gives the only fitting response to the work of Grace. This is faith in action. And it’s demonstrated by love for Jesus.

So there is Simon standing, and if he’s got a lick of sense. He’s forced to examine his own heart in light of this truth. He’s got a debt, too. He just thinks his debt is a small debt. And yet, here is a woman who had been forgiven much, and she loves much!!

Simon, though, judges rightly, cannot rightly see. And he’s so busy seeing the sins of others. He misses his own. He misses the seriousness of his own sin before God, and he misses Jesus in the process. But Luke doesn’t want us to miss Jesus….And so he begs this question, like a common refrain of His gospel…..WHO IS THIS?....who even forgives sin.

Even in this chapter, we’ve seen the authority of Jesus. Who is this who heals the sick? Who cleanses the defiled? Who is this who has authority over the demons and death?

And now, who is this who declares sins forgiven? Who transformed life. From Sin to worship, from depravity to glorying in Jesus. This is what stumped the Pharisee in Luke 5:20-21

Luke 5:20–21 ESV

20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

And HadSimon recognized who it was that had come into His house…and Had Simon recognized His own sin in light of Jesus. Had he experienced the great forgiveness this woman knew personally. He’d too be broken!!

Because this is what the gospel does!! It exposes our pride. It wrecks our self-righteousness. It breaks us of anything that entitles us to grace. It exposes our sin, our need for mercy, and our need for a savior.

Like the woman in Luke 7, we have all sinned deeply. And like Simon the Pharisee, we’ve also tried to cover our sin with pride, religion, or comparison. Whether our sin is obvious or hidden, the truth is the same: FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FOR SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD! (ROMANS 3:23)

Sin separates us from God. It doesn’t just make us bad; it makes us dead—spiritually blind, cut off from the life and love of our Creator. And there's nothing we can do to earn our way back. Our good deeds can't erase our guilt.

But here is the GOOD NEWS

God came to us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered our broken world—NOT to condemn us, but to save us. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live. He died the death our sins deserved. And He rose again, defeating sin and death forever.

On the cross, Jesus absorbed the full weight of our guilt so that we could be forgiven—fully, freely, forever.

Just like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, we don’t come to Jesus to prove our worth—we come to Him because He’s already shown us ours.

Before the throne of God above I have a strong and a perfect plea A great high priest, whose name is love Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on his hands My name is written on his heart I know that while in heaven he stands No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see him there Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless savior died My sinful soul is counted free For God, the Just, is satisfied To look on him and pardon me

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, praise the one Risen son of God

And when we see what He has done for us, when we truly grasp the depth of His mercy, the only right response is: Gratitude, Love, Worship.

Luke 7:47 ESV

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

And church, this should be demonstrated in how we live….How we love…that is our life individually. But also, our life collectively…IN WORSHIP ….It’s also why we sing!! Let me encourage you, beloved…When we sing. TO SING LOUD!! TO SING IN JOY!! TO SING IN WORSHIP. It’s why our voices matter!! It’s why our songs matter -- BECAUSE THEY DECLARE of A HEART THAT’s BEEN TRANSFORMED!  OF GRACE RECEIVED! OF FORGIVEN extended to lowly, undeserving sinners!!  WHO GLORY IN THIS GOSPEL of JESUS!!!

And beloved, your tears are welcome. More than that, in many ways, they are expected. When we read the truth of scripture and it breaks us. When we pray and we are filled with wonder and awe. To be expected….And here is a woman who just erupts in worship of JESUS when she bows at his feet. And so may we too….BECAUSE we know we have been forgiven much!! And therefore, we love much!!

You know, in this passage – everyone is being judged. This woman is being judged. Jesus is being judged. Simon is being judged. Judgment is everywhere. Everyone is being judged.

And can’t help but think that Luke has written this text in such a way that it judges us, because I believe within our hearts there is a tendency to live in one of two ways. As much as we want to live like the woman who worships and responds rightly. Coming humbly to Jesus’ feet. We realize that we don’t do that like we should. Instead, we often live as Simon the Pharisee. Judging from a distance. Looking down on the sins of others, and forgetting our own…. Forgetting the very gospel we have received by faith in Jesus. But at the cross, there is room for both the worst of sinners and the self-righteous Pharisee.

There is room for all who will recognize their sin, see their need for Jesus, and repent! And those who have been forgiven are transformed by His grace! You may say, well, you don’t know my sin. You don’t know what I’ve done. And you may be right, and we ultimately don’t know what this woman had done. We can make speculation, and given some indicators, but all we know is that she was known in the city as a sinner. And that may be you. You’re known and seen, identified as a sinner..But the invitation is that you come, CHRIST mercy and be forgiven!. And you may be the self-righteous Pharisee, who refuses to see your own sin, and fight against the grace of God, seeing no need for repentance. But should you humble yourself before the Lord, and cry out in repentance and faith, you’d be redeemed, transformed by his grace.

ENDING:

You know, in some small way. Judge Frank Caprio’s courtroom shows us a glimpse of God’s kingdom—a place where justice and mercy meet, and where forgiveness leads to transformation. Luke 7 teaches us that when we truly understand how much we’ve been forgiven, our heartscannot help but love extravagantly.

When we see what God has done for us in Christ, placing our sin on Jesus. This is the justice of God, the requirement of the penalty of our sin being placed on Jesus, God’s wrath is satisfied. And in Mercy granting to us forgiveness through the live, death, and resurrection of Christ from the dead. When we recognize what God has done for us in Christ, when we are awakened to the beauty of the GOSPEL by the SPIRIT of GOD! We’ll be broken!! GRANTED faith to believe, and we repent in gratitude, demonstrating fruit of the forgiveness we’ve received. Displayed is love for our savior in a life of devotion and worship to Christ!!

Sermon Summary:  Forgiven Sinners love their Savior.