What is the meaning of Luke 7:43? I suppose • Simon’s answer begins with hesitation—“I suppose”—showing that he is reluctantly agreeing with Jesus’ implied logic (cf. Luke 10:36–37, where another questioner is pressed into admitting the obvious). • This hesitation exposes the heart: Simon has been judging both Jesus and the woman (Luke 7:39), yet now he must acknowledge a truth that undercuts his own self-righteousness. • Scripture consistently reveals that when confronted with God’s probing questions, people often hedge before confessing the truth (Genesis 3:12–13; Jonah 4:2). the one who was forgiven more • Simon identifies the debtor with the larger canceled debt as the one who will love more, echoing Jesus’ point from the mini-parable of verses 41–42. • The principle: deeper awareness of sin’s enormity leads to deeper gratitude and love for the Savior (Psalm 32:1–2; Romans 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:15–16). • By contrast, those who view their sin as small respond to grace with cool formality (Revelation 3:17). Simon replied • Luke highlights Simon’s spoken response to spotlight the contrast between polite words and cold heart. • Earlier Simon had offered Jesus no water, kiss, or oil (Luke 7:44–46), revealing minimal affection. Now, though forced to state the correct answer, his unchanged attitude exposes spiritual blindness (Matthew 15:8). You have judged correctly • Jesus affirms Simon’s logic: truth has been spoken even from reluctant lips (Proverbs 12:17). • This affirmation is not applause but invitation—having judged the parable rightly, Simon is now accountable to judge himself rightly (James 1:22–24). • Similar moments occur elsewhere: Jesus commends correct answers yet presses for deeper personal application (Luke 10:28; Mark 12:34). Jesus said • The Lord’s final word carries divine authority; His verdict stands (John 5:24). • By declaring Simon’s assessment “correct,” Jesus exposes the gap between intellectual agreement and heartfelt repentance, urging a move from cognition to conversion (Matthew 7:24–27). • The narrative then turns from Simon to the forgiven woman, illustrating that true faith responds in love and worship (Luke 7:47–50; John 12:3). summary Luke 7:43 captures the moment when a self-assured Pharisee verbally concedes the principle of greater forgiveness producing greater love. Jesus affirms the correctness of Simon’s answer, but the scene underscores that right theology without humble repentance leaves the heart unchanged. The verse calls each reader to recognize the magnitude of personal sin, embrace the full pardon Christ offers, and overflow with the grateful love that inevitably follows great forgiveness. |
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