The Story of Two Debtors - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?
Luke 7:41-42

The Story of Two Debtors
The Savior had been invited to dine at the house of Simon, a Pharisee, who was totally unconscious of whom he had in his home that day. His God was there, but he knew it not. He was a religious man, but, in his eyes, his Guest was simply a traveling preacher to whom it might be well to grant a meal. He did not even offer the usual Eastern courtesies. It had occurred to Simon that this One might be a prophet, but that thought was dismissed when he noted His conduct. Truly, there is nothing so blinding as empty, formal religion.

Presently, a woman in the city who was a sinner, hearing that Jesus was there, crept into the dining hall. She discerned in Him the Savior of sinners. Whether He suited others did not matter; He was the One she needed. She sought Him out and claimed, not in words but in deeds, a personal interest in His saving grace. To the deep distress of the host, she rained tears upon the Savior's feet, wiped them with her hair, kissed them fervently, and anointed them with ointment.

Knowing the thoughts passing through Simon's mind, Jesus addressed him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." Then Jesus told the parable of the creditor with two debtors, one owing five hundred denarii and the other fifty. Both forgiven, which would love him more? Simon answered correctly, and the application was evident. There is no room for boasting or scorning another, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Each one must feel their own need to seek pardoning grace. The woman of the city left Simon's home that day with the Savior's words in her heart, "Your sins are forgiven." Have you come to Him?

W. W. Fereday