Understanding God's Word: Daily Devotions for Biblical Insight

TUESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2023

TEXT: Luke 7:36-50

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.”

40: Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41: “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42: Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43: Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

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.”

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: A POPULAR SINNER RECEIVES FORGIVENESS

Jesus' character of always willing to forgive any sinner who repents is again demonstrated in today's text. This woman knew that Jesus was a guest in the house of the renowned Pharisee and used the opportunity to seek Him out for mercy (vs 36-38).

Because her sins were widely known, the Pharisee couldn't put up with her presence around Jesus. Just as many are quick to hold on to the sin of others to pretend to be holy, the Pharisee's reaction showed that he still doubted the true nature of Jesus Christ (vs. 39).

But Jesus, being God in human form, knew what was going on in Simon's mind and quickly let him realise that there were two sinners who needed forgiveness - Simon and the woman.

The woman acted in humility but the Pharisee remained in his 'holier than thou' state. This shows that no amount of sin is unforgivable if only man can repent and truly seek Jesus - the way the woman did.

QUESTION: Are you still justifying yourself before God as being better than the vilest offender who humbly seeks Jesus?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me not to stand in Your presence condemning those You have forgiven but seek Your mercy as a debtor unto You, in Jesus name. Amen.