"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.'"
(Luke 7:39)
In this beautiful story we have Jesus accepting an invitation (which is almost certainly a trap) to dine with Simon the Pharisee. That’s one display of Jesus’ unabashed love: He goes where He’s invited regardless of the sketchy motivations behind the invitation. Enter… the woman “who had lived a sinful life” and who begins weeping on His feet, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and pouring perfume on them. She’s making quite a scene!
Can you imagine something similar in today’s context? It’s easy to paint Simon as the “bad guy,” and yet I’m convicted thinking how I would respond if Jesus were my guest for Thanksgiving when a prostitute right off the street crashed the party.
Jesus handles her with deep grace and no shame. He doesn’t seem the least bit thrown off by the production she is making. He does not treat her as a distraction to the party. Instead, He shows that perhaps she’s the very reason He is there. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” He tells her, and another soul is restored and set free.
Scripture Focus
Luke 7:36-50
Insight
Jesus invites you to love without vanity, especially those who may be viewed by others as "unclean."
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 7-8
- Psalm 11
- Matthew 16-17