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From Heaven With Love
wronged by him. By the two debtors of the parable, Simon and
the woman were represented. Jesus did not design to teach that
different degrees of obligation should be felt by the two persons, for
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each owed a debt of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Jesus
desired to show Simon that his sin was as much greater than hers as
a debt of five hundred pence exceeds a debt of fifty pence.
Simon now began to see himself in a new light. He saw how
Mary was regarded by One who was more than a prophet. Shame
seized upon him, and he realized that he was in the presence of One
superior to himself.
“I entered into thine house,” Christ continued, “thou gavest Me
no water for My feet,” but with tears of repentance Mary has washed
My feet and wiped them with the hair of her head. “Thou gavest
Me no kiss: but this woman,” whom you despise, “since the time
I came in hath not ceased to kiss My feet.” Christ recounted the
opportunities Simon had had to show his appreciation of what his
Lord had done for him.
The Heart Searcher read the motive that led to Mary’s action; He
saw also the spirit that prompted Simon’s words. “Seest thou this
woman?” He said to him. “I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many,
are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the
same loveth little.”
Simon had thought he honored Jesus by inviting Him to his
house. But he now saw himself as he really was. He saw that his
religion had been a robe of Pharisaism. He had despised the com-
passion of Jesus. He had not recognized Him as the representative
of God. Mary was a sinner pardoned; he was a sinner unpardoned.
How Simon’s Pride Was Humbled
Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly re-
buking him before the guests. He had not been treated as he desired
Mary to be treated. He saw that Jesus sought by pitying kindness
to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened him
against repentance, but patient admonition convinced him of his
error. He saw the magnitude of the debt he owed his Lord. He
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repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing
disciple.