Today’s scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
The repentant woman exhibits a depth of sorrow for her sins that is precious in God’s sight. She is the embodiment of 2 Corinthians 7:10: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret. . .”
This story prompted me to think of times when I have sinned — when I was cruel, or totally blind and unappreciative of how someone else deeply love me, and maybe even sacrificed for me. It reminds me that to feel deep, intense sorrow for those sins is a noble thing in God’s sight. I hate to ask you this, because I know it’s unpleasant, but can you recall times when you went the wrong way, in a big way? Does it cause copious tears to flow from your soul? If so, I think Jesus is looking at you with admiration and compassion, for he knows that mourning for our sins is a good thing — as long as we don’t get stuck there. He urges us on to the next steps, repentance and forgiveness (forgiving ourselves just as Christ forgives us).
This lady also shows us how closely related love and faith are. Faith motivates us to love, and love motivates us to have faith. They are synergistic. She showed great love (vs. 47), and her faith saved her (vs. 50). In fact, love and faith are what help us not get stuck in regret. Love motivates us to move on (sooner or later), and faith gives us the courage to keep going even when we still feel the sting of regret. Her love motivated her to go beyond the courtesy of washing Jesus’ feet with water. Instead, she washed them with her tears, and then anointed them with ointment.
Simon the Pharisee, on the other hand, showed love when he invited Jesus to his house for dinner (assuming it was a sincere invitation). As host, wasn’t he the one who should have washed Jesus’ feet? However, once Jesus was there, other than feeding him and talking to him, he didn’t give him the other courtesies the woman did. So, maybe the lesson here is — if you’ve been doing well in your Christian walk lately and therefore have little to be forgiven for in the recent past, don’t let that lull you into complacency. God is still calling you to love extravagantly!
I also love the repentant woman’s boldness in approaching Jesus. Have you ever been afraid to approach your boss, or other authority figure, or to hug someone you loved? What a great lesson we learn from her. Don’t let fear stop you from showing your love and appreciation!
Thought for the Day: God, thank you that I can take a moment to remember the massive forgiveness you have granted me, and thank you for it (maybe even with a few tears). And, may your forgiveness motivate me to love in profound ways.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.