Parable of The Moneylender

Day: Day 23

Text: Luke 7: 41- 43

Introduction- Jesus uses this parable to explain the connection between God’s forgiveness of someone and their reciprocated love for him.

Life Lessons

1. Unconditional Forgiveness- God’s forgiveness is boundless and extends to all who sincerely seek it, regardless of the magnitude of their sins. There are many bible characters, who were chosen by God, yet sinned greatly against God, e.g Abraham and Sarah (trying to help God by birthing Ishmael), David (committed adultery, murder), Nebuchadnezzar (pride), Ahab (countless murders), Peter (Denial and betrayal of Jesus), the list goes on. However, these people sought God’s forgiveness, regardless of their weighty sins, God lovingly forgave them. Each of us are also guilty of sin, as we cry for mercy daily, God forgives us our sins. Numbers 14: 19- 21, Nehemiah 9:31, Psalm 86: 5.
2. Humility and Self Awareness– In this parable, we also see how humility is exhibited by the moneylender by lowering himself to the level of the debtors, not minding the fact that his forgiveness could be taken for granted. Also, the debtors showed humility by acknowledging their debts genuinely and showed that they were apologetic about not paying back the debt. Assuming the debtors exhibited pride, and boasted that they would pay back, not showing remorse to the lender, it is possible that their debts may not have been forgiven, as God hates pride, and loves humility. 2 Chronicles 7:14, 2 Chronicles 30:9, Psalm 32:5
3. Gratitude for Grace-This story helps us understand the depth of God’s forgiveness and also stems as a motivation for us to show compassion and grace to others. Matthew 22:39, Leviticus 19:18
4. True Love– Love is actionable, acts of kindness, forgiveness, not just words. John 3:16.

Life applications:

1. Understanding God’s Grace- The moneylender represents God, and the debtors represent people who have sinned against God. This parable emphasizes that we are all deeply indebted to God, but he is willing to forgive us completely, if we acknowledge, humble ourselves and seek genuine repentance. Psalm 51:1-2, Matthew 6: 12, Matthew 6: 14- 15.
2. Responding to Forgiveness with Love- The debtor who owed the larger debt showed greater love and gratitude because he understood the extent of forgiveness which he had received. Luke 7: 47
3. Humility- The parable also criticizes self-righteousness, as represented by Simeon, who felt he didn’t need forgiveness and therefore didn’t show much love. Proverbs 28:13, Isaiah 55:7
4. Living a life of compassion- When we recognize our need for forgiveness or how much God has shown us mercy, we are to extend compassion and forgiveness to others.

Lesson of the Day: As God extends grace, mercy, and forgiveness to us daily, we are also expected to reciprocate love, appreciation and gratitude to God, by extending his forgiveness and grace to others.

Complied by: Elizabeth Aransiola