Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Yesterday’s passage described those who heard the Lord’s words and believed, v. 29. In today’s, the focus is on those who rejected Him,v. 30. We can note some of their characteristics.

We observe a refusal of God’s call in whatever form it came, vv. 31-35. John’s message of judgement ought to have produced sorrow because of sins. The Lord’s message of blessing should have produced the joy of salvation. However, they did not respond positively to either.

We can also see no sense of need as sinners. For example, Simon called another person ‘a sinner’, v. 39, implying that he did not see himself as such.

Further, we can detect in the company no love for the Lord. Simon invited the Lord for a meal, v. 36, but his failure to show the usual courtesies to a guest, vv. 44-46, showed that he had no love or gratitude towards Him.

Finally, there is rejection of His claims. Simon denied that Jesus was ‘a prophet’, v. 39, and the general company doubted His authority to forgive sins, v. 49.

How up-to-date the scriptures are! Are not these the features of the Christ-rejecter, even today? There is a stubborn refusal to accept the divine call, whether it comes as a warning of judgement or as a promise of blessing. There is a denial of one’s need as a sinner. There is no love for the Lord Jesus, no appreciation of what He has done, and no acknowledgment of who He is.

The woman brought to our attention presents a happy contrast. She had responded to God’s call, realizing, and turning from, her sins, which were many, v. 47. Like the debtor who owed much, vv. 41, 42, she was forgiven much, v. 48. So she loved the Lord greatly, v. 47, showing it by her actions, vv. 37, 38, 44-46. Unlike the others present in the Pharisee’s house, she did not doubt the Lord’s Person, nor His authority to forgive sins. With great gladness she would hear His words, ‘Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace’, v. 50. Unlike the ‘children sitting in the marketplace’, v. 32, she had responded to the message of her sins as was fitting - with sadness. Now she could respond fittingly to the tidings of her salvation - with joy!