Lent Parable: The Two Debtors
Jesus’ Parable of The Two Debtors, Recognizing Our Need for Grace
Read Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
As Lent begins, we are invited to acknowledge our sinfulness and our deep need for God’s mercy. In this parable, Jesus tells of two debtors—one who owed much, another who owed little—both forgiven by their master. When we understand how much we’ve been forgiven, our response should be gratitude and devotion. Like the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, Lent is a time to approach God with humility, recognizing the immense grace He extends to us.
Jesus used this story to highlight a key truth: those who recognize their need for forgiveness will love more deeply. The Pharisee in the story failed to see his own sin, while the woman understood the depth of her need and poured out extravagant love. Much like today’s social media culture where we often compare ourselves favorably to others, the Pharisee measured his righteousness against the woman’s reputation rather than against God’s holiness.
The woman’s actions were shocking to those present at the dinner. Her alabaster jar wasn’t just an expensive container—it likely contained her dowry, representing her entire financial security, worth about a year’s wages. By breaking it, she was pouring out not just perfume, but her whole future. In our modern context, this would be like someone emptying their retirement account or sacrificing their career advancement to express devotion to God. The depth of her love was rooted in her deep understanding of the forgiveness she had received.
Her actions became even more scandalous when she let down her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet. In first-century Jewish culture, women never loosened their hair in public—it was considered so improper that it could be grounds for divorce. Yet here, in front of judgmental eyes, she used her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet, caring more about expressing her gratitude than protecting her reputation. Today, we might similarly struggle with how to make our faith, especially when it might cost us socially or professionally.
Those who experience profound forgiveness often become the most compassionate advocates for others. The woman’s extravagant display of love flowed from her recognition of how much she had been forgiven. In our own time, we see this same pattern when people who have experienced God’s grace become powerful witnesses of mercy to others, whether in recovery ministries, prison outreach, or other areas where deep transformation leads to passionate service.
True repentance requires a heart willing to be broken, just as David prayed in Psalm 51:17, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” During this season, we are called to lay down our pride, confess our sins, and embrace the boundless mercy God offers. Like the woman with her alabaster jar, we’re invited to pour out our most precious offerings in response to God’s forgiveness.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I respond to God’s mercy?
- Do I truly recognize my need for His grace?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s forgiveness?
- What might be my “alabaster jar” – something precious I could offer to God?
Practical Tip:
Start a gratitude journal during Lent, noting down moments when you experience God’s grace.
Explore More:
- Psalm 51 – David’s prayer of repentance
- Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation by grace through faith
- 1 John 1:9 – God’s faithfulness to forgive
Amy Luinstra
Deacon
