The Parable of the Two Debtors is in Luke 7:41–43. Jesus told this parable to illustrate that the extent of forgiveness one receives is directly proportional to the love and gratitude one shows in return.
This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Two Debtors, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.
Parable of the Two Debtors In Scripture
Luke 7:41–43 – Parable of the Two Debtors
41 “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”
43 Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.”
He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
Parable of the Two Debtors Meaning
This parable means that forgiveness is proportional to love: the person who is forgiven more, loves more. Jesus used this metaphor to teach about the depth of God’s forgiveness and the gratitude and love that should flow from those who are forgiven.
Parable of the Two Debtors Lessons
Forgiveness and Love
The main lesson is this: the more we recognize our own forgiveness by God, the more we should love and forgive others.
Humility
The parable also teaches that we should approach God and others with humility, acknowledging our own spiritual debts.
Repentance
True repentance is essential for forgiveness and is demonstrated by a change in behavior and attitude, not just saying the words.
Discernment
Like Jesus, who knew the hearts of the debtors, we should seek to understand the true intentions and struggles of others.
Grace
Another key lesson is that God’s grace is sufficient to cover all our sins, no matter how great, and we should extend that grace to others.
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Read More Parables In the Bible
The Parable of the Two Debtors is just one of many parables in the Bible. Use the links below to explore more of Jesus’ parables, their meanings, and life lessons.
- Parables In Matthew
- Parables In Mark
- Parables In Luke
- All Jesus Parables
- Parables About the Kingdom of God & Heaven
- Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
- Parable of the Divided Kingdom
- Parable of the Faithful Servant
- Parable of the Fig Tree
- Parable of the Friend at Night
- Parable of the Good Samaritan
- Parable of the Great Banquet
- Parable of the Growing Seed
- Parable of the Hidden Treasure
- Parable of the Householder
- Parable of the Lamp on a Lamp Stand
- Parable of the Lost Coin
- Parable of the Lost Sheep
- Parable of the Master and Servant
- Parable of the Mustard Seed
- Parable of the Net
- Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins
- Parable of the Pearl
- Parable of the Persistent Widow
- Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
- Parable of the Prodigal Son
- Parable of the Rich Fool
- Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
- Parable of the Sheep and Goats
- Parable of the Sower
- Parable of the Speck and the Log
- Parable of the Talents
- Parable of the Ten Virgins
- Parable of the Tenants
- Parable of the Two Debtors
- Parable of the Two Sons
- Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
- Parable of the Unjust Steward
- Parable of the Watchful Servants
- Parable of the Wedding Banquet
- Parable of the Wedding Feast
- Parable of the Weeds
- Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Builders
- Parable of the Workers In the Vineyard
- Parable of the Yeast
Summary of the Parable of the Two Debtors
We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Two Debtors.
As you discovered, the Parable of the Two Debtors appears in Luke 7:41–43. And the primary meaning of the parable is that forgiveness is proportional to love: the person who is forgiven more, loves more. The life lessons include showing forgiveness and love to others, being humble before God, showing repentance, growing in discernment, and extending grace to others.
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