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I. THE INCIDENT WHICH OCCASIONED THE PARABLE.

1. The anointing.

2. The woman.

3. The manner in which the Jews sat at meat.

4. The woman's conduct.

(1)  Her deep humility.

(2)  Her ardent affection.

(3)  Her grateful sacrifice.

5. The presumption which led Simon to his surmisings respecting Christ.

II. THE PARABLE ITSELF.

1. That sins against God are justly denominated debts.

(1)  Because they imply the withholding from God what is due to Him.

(2)  Because they render us liable to be cast into the prison of hell.

2. That all mankind are debtors to God, but in different degrees.

3. That no debtor to God is capable of paying the debt he owes.

4. That the forgiveness of our sins, or debts, is of the utmost importance to us.

5. That a consciousness of our own insolvency must precede our pardon.

6. That forgiveness may be confidently expected, when sought in the way of God's appointment.

III. OUR LORD'S APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE.

1. Just reproof wisely given. The evils reproved in the Pharisee were various and marked; including

(1)  His unbelief in the Saviour's mission.

(2)  His self-esteem.

(3)  His censoriousness.

(4)  His want of respect for Christ.

2. Seasonable consolation graciously administered.

3. Divine instruction kindly suggested.

(1)  That Christ is truly God. This is evident from His knowledge of Simon's thoughts, and from the blessings He conferred.

(2)  That forgiveness is certain to all true believers.

(T. Gibson, M. A.)

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KJV: And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

WEB: When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?"