The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart.—1 Tim. 1:5.
Secondly, I learn from our Saviour's interpretation of this picture that the gospel is for the very greatest of sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. There was a certain creditor who had two debtors," etc. Our Saviour proceeds with an illustration which shows that this woman was one of the greatest of sinners. She was ten times worse than the average sinner, and yet she was more welcome to the Saviour than this proud, self-righteous Pharisee. Oh, men and women! if you are in this hall, feeling that you are unworthy to be here, your very unfitness makes you fit. Draw nigh to this Saviour from sin and hear him say, "Thy sins are forgiven; go in peace." Let no pharisaical Simon frighten you away—the Saviour will give him the rebuke which he deserves and will whisper into your ear words of pardon and of peace.
Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown it.—S. of S. 8:7.
I learn from this picture which Christ interprets that the gospel is for penitent sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; seest thou this woman? She hath washed my feet with her tears." Oh, those were precious tears in the sight of our Saviour. Every tear-drop was a jewel. The breaking of the alabaster box of ointment was a sweet incense to Jesus, but this ten-fold sinner bathing his very feet with her penitential tears was a sight which made the angels in heaven rejoice, "for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Simon despised this woman's tears and sat unmoved at the pathetic scene—but not so with Jesus. He could refrain himself no longer, but speaking out before all the company he said, "Thy sins are forgiven." Oh, gracious words! How sweet and soft must have been this music to the ears of this sinful outcast.
"They fall as soft as snow on the sea
And melt in the heart as instantly."
Finally, I learn from this picture which Christ is interpreting for us that the gospel is for sinners who commit themselves in implicit faith to Christ. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." "Behold this woman; you have done a great deal of talking—this poor woman has not spoken a word—but behold how she has thrown herself upon my mercy with unquestioning confidence! Do you think I will disappoint such trust as that? She has heard me say, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out' and has taken me at my word, and I consider it an honor to turn from thy company to the company of this sinful woman."
And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."
Without faith it is impossible to please God.—Hebrews 11:6.
Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, d.d.
A Giant Against Unrighteousness