March 13 - Lenten Devotional

"A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt." And Jesus said to him, "You have judged rightly… hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." (Luke 7:41-48)

It is very difficult (maybe impossible?) to be disciples if we don’t think we need anything from Jesus. We will not follow… we will not re-prioritize… we will not risk and be challenged and transformed by one from whom we think we need nothing. The Pharisee whom Jesus is talking to in this text has invited Jesus to dinner. He even calls him “Teacher” which recognizes Jesus as having some wisdom and authority… though if you read the whole text you will see that this parable comes in response the Pharisee thinking Jesus must not be a prophet if he is letting this “woman” – this sinner – wipe his feet with her tears, hair and ointment.

The point is this: the Pharisee sees something in Jesus… but doesn’t really feel he needs anything that Jesus has. He’s curious – but not committed. He’s interested but not following. To place him then in the story that Jesus tells this Pharisee has little to be forgiven… and so loves little as well. Not love and devotion… just curiosity and interest.

I think so many of us can get ourselves into an illusion that we don’t need anything. Much gets made today of that fact that Christianity is most vibrant in places like Asia, South America and Africa – places of poverty, political and social upheaval, and in some cases places where Christianity is shunned or outright attacked.

What is unique to these places? The people here have much need of Jesus. They need healing… forgiveness… guidance… protection… love… empowerment… hope. And as those who need much – they love much.

The opposite is true (generally and not specific to any one person or community) of Christianity in most of Western civilization. Zeal seems gone. Faith is tame. Discipleship replaced with being card carrying “members”. We are like the Pharisee at the table who starts from a presumption of already knowing what he needs (and having the capability to get it himself) and is simply asking Jesus to dinner to sate some extra curiosity about this “would-be prophet”.

There is a danger in acquiring means (knowledge, intellect, money, power…) that we will then delude ourselves that we can do things alone – that we are independent – that we achieved success and can do so again by our own efforts – that we don’t need anyone else… except perhaps as entertainment. We are our own doctor and banker, baker and tailor… priest and king.

However, if we can do it ourselves, if we are independent, we cannot be disciples, for the beginning of discipleship is the recognition that there is something we need that this one we follow has to offer. The beginning of discipleship is the sense that our lives are not yet whole, not yet complete… that we need the healing and love, shaping and nurture of a teacher – of Jesus.

“Hence she has shown great love.”

Are you more than curious about Jesus… have you shown great love?

Do you find yourself falling into the trap of independence,
and not needing anything from anyone?

Will you risk leaving the chair and kneeling at the feet of Jesus…
and following in his steps?


Almighty God, Help us to pierce the illusion of our independence. Provoke us to see the healing and life we need from you. Guide us to place our lives in devoted service, committed following, zealous sharing of good news. Let us kneel at your feet in thanksgiving and love. Amen.