The Wednesday Word 8.02.2023
Luke 7:36-39, 44-50 NLT
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner
with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman
in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the
Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she
stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39
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.”
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do
you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for
my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45
You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not
stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured
perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been
forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little
loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The
other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives
sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus into his home to share a
meal. But, as the story unfolds, we learn that he does not offer him the
personal attention that a host usually extends to his guests. An anonymous
woman from the town hears that Jesus is nearby and comes with a costly and
precious gift to be lavished on him. She falls at his feet and pours out not
only the perfume, but her heart. This story shows us two very different
examples of how people approach Jesus Christ.
The same could be said for us. Lots of people publicly
invite Jesus into their lives. After all, they are pretty good people. They
want him to come home with them and hang out. That is about as far as it goes.
They don’t make any effort to really get to know him. They don’t show him any
particular gratitude or respect. On the other hand, we see those who may have
knocked around a little. Perhaps they didn’t always make the best choices. Now,
they realize that their only refuge, their only place to find any peace of
mind, is Jesus. They not only invite him to come into their lives, they want to
give of themselves. They are not afraid to “let down their hair” and surrender
their old ways of thinking. They want an actual relationship with Jesus. Which
kind of person are you…something to pray about.
Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.
Comments
Post a Comment