Parables Of Jesus Christ: The Greater Love
by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

An incident at a Pharisee's house:

"7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet [see also The Rising Of The Prophet], would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner." (Luke 7:37-39 KJV)

From that, The Messiah's parable of the greater love:

"7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.
And he saith, Master, say on.

7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?" (Luke 7:40-42 KJV)

"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little"

Peter then replied with the obvious answer.

Christians
"7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.
And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:43-50 KJV)

Many of those who loved Christ the most were former outcast "sinners," just like the woman in the parable. A prime example of that was Mary of Magdala who was given to be the first human witness of the risen Christ ("he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils" Mark 16:9 KJV).

"20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
20:13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?

She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?

She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary.

She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her." (John 20:11-18 KJV)

Fact Finder: What other anointing was made to Christ, similar to that in the parable?
See The Farewell Dinner At Bethany