Study Guide: The Parable of the Two Debtors
*This study guide can be used alongside the message preached on May 17, 2026 during the series Parables.
Pray
Take a moment to think about the 'debts' God has cleared in your life. Thank Him for the peace that comes with being fully known and fully forgiven.
Read
Luke 7:36-50
Observe
vv. 36-38 | A Humble Act of Devotion
A Pharisee invited Jesus to his home for a meal. While they were eating, a woman known in the city as a "sinner"—likely a prostitute—entered the house. She brought an expensive alabaster jar of perfume and stood behind Jesus at his feet. Overcome with emotion, she began to cry, washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. She kissed his feet repeatedly and poured the costly oil on them. This bold act showed her deep love and courage, as entering a religious leader’s home was a major risk for someone with her reputation. Her service was deeply personal; she didn’t give to a cause or a group, but directly to Jesus himself.
vv. 39-40 | The Host’s Objection
Simon, the Pharisee who hosted the dinner, watched this scene with judgment. He thought to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, he would recognize what kind of "unclean" woman was touching him. Simon doubted Jesus’ spiritual insight because he assumed a holy man would avoid a sinner. Jesus, knowing Simon’s inner thoughts, broke the awkward silence. By addressing Simon directly, Jesus proved he could read hearts far better than the Pharisee realized. He was about to show Simon that while the Pharisee saw a reputation, Jesus saw a soul.
vv. 41-43 | The Parable: A Lesson on Forgiveness
Jesus shared a simple story about two people who owed money to the same lender. One owed a massive amount (five hundred days' worth of wages), and the other owed a much smaller amount. Since neither could pay, the lender cancelled both debts. Jesus asked Simon which person would love the lender more. Simon correctly guessed it would be the one who was forgiven the larger debt. This parable illustrated a powerful truth: the more we realize how much we have been forgiven, the more love we show in return.
vv. 44-47 | Comparing Two Hearts
Jesus then pointed out the contrast between the woman and Simon. Although Simon was the host, he had neglected basic manners: he offered no water for Jesus’ feet, no kiss of welcome, and no oil for his head. The woman, however, provided all these things through her tears, kisses, and expensive perfume. Jesus explained that her great display of love was proof that her many sins had been forgiven. On the other hand, someone who thinks they only need a little forgiveness will only show a little love. Simon saw her past, but Jesus saw her transformed present.
vv. 48-50 | Peace Through Faith
Finally, Jesus spoke directly to the woman, confirming, "Your sins are forgiven." This shocked the other guests, who wondered how a man could claim the power to forgive sins. Jesus ignored their confusion and told the woman that her faith had saved her. He sent her away with a blessing of peace. While physical healings are amazing, Jesus showed that spiritual forgiveness is the greatest gift of all because its effects last forever. The woman who entered the house in shame left with a clean heart and a new life.
Credit: Guzik, David. “Luke 7 - The Sick Healed, the Dead Raised, the Sinner Forgiven.” Enduring Word, n.d., https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/luke-7.
Application
1. Shift from Judgment to Empathy.
In this story, Simon the Pharisee only saw a "sinner" with a bad reputation, while Jesus saw a woman with a repentant heart. We often do the same by labeling people based on their past mistakes or lifestyle choices. This week, challenge yourself to look past someone’s "label" or reputation. Instead of judging their history, look for the person God is currently shaping and treat them with the same dignity and grace that Jesus showed.
2. Practice Bold and Personal Devotion.
The woman didn’t care that she was in a room full of critics; her only focus was expressing her love for Jesus. She gave her best (the expensive oil) and her most vulnerable self (her tears). Don't let the fear of what others think keep you from being sincere in your faith. Whether it’s through prayer, serving others, or being open about your beliefs, find a way to offer your "best" to God this week, even if it feels socially awkward or costly.
3. Let Forgiveness Fuel Your Gratitude.
Jesus taught that those who realize how much they have been forgiven are the ones who love the most. If our faith feels "dry" or routine, it might be because we’ve forgotten how much grace we’ve actually received. Spend time reflecting on the "debt" God has cleared in your own life. When you truly realize the depth of His forgiveness, let that realization change your mood and your actions. Let your gratitude for being forgiven be the fuel that drives you to be more patient and kind toward others.
Pray (ACTS)
What is the ACTS prayer model?
A - Praise God for being a Savior who welcomes the broken and sees the true value in every soul.
C - Confess a time you perhaps acted more like Simon, harboring a judgmental heart and forgetting how much you have been forgiven.
T - Thank God for the incredible peace that comes through faith and for the grace that completely wipes away your past.
S - Ask the Holy Spirit for courage to live with the same bold devotion as the woman in the story.
Discuss or Reflect
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
Simon the Pharisee saw a "sinner," but Jesus saw a woman with a new heart. How often do we let someone’s past or reputation define how we treat them today?
Why do you think it was so difficult for Simon to see his own need for forgiveness while he was so focused on the woman’s sins?
In what ways do modern "religious" circles sometimes make it difficult for people with messy backgrounds to feel welcome?
The woman’s act of washing Jesus’ feet was deeply personal and very public. What prevents us from being that vulnerable in our own worship or expressions of faith?
She brought an alabaster flask, which was likely her most valuable possession. What is the "alabaster flask" in your life that you find hardest to surrender to God?
Jesus noted that Simon failed to provide basic hospitality, while the woman went above and beyond. How can we tell the difference between "routine" faith and "heartfelt" devotion in our daily lives?
Jesus said, "To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Does this mean we need to sin more to love more, or is it about our awareness of our sin?
When you think about your own life, do you identify more with the debtor who owed a little or the one who owed a lot? How does that perspective change your gratitude?
How does the assurance of being "fully forgiven" change the way you handle your own failures and mistakes?
Jesus told the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." What does it look like to truly live "in peace" in the midst of a judgmental or chaotic world?
If Jesus were to enter your home or your workplace today, what kind of "hospitality" would you offer Him through your actions and attitude?
Based on this story, what is one specific way you can show "extravagant love" to someone this week who might feel unseen or unworthy?