THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:44-50
“But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
Jesus explains why this woman is so expressive of her love.
In her time (and most of history), girls and women were abused sexually.
Men looked at her as an object of lust, and she used that to survive.
Religious men looked at her with moral indignation.
(Except when no one was looking, then they also looked at her with lust).
She felt shame, unworthiness, unloved, until Jesus came along.
For the first time someone looked into her eyes and saw a real person, with real worth.
He did not shame or accuse her, He forgave her.
She knew how bad her life had become… and Jesus gave her love, hope, peace.
The more we feel the undeserved love of God, the more responsive we are.
This ‘holy man’ did not appreciate Jesus because he didn’t think he was needy.
Jesus had nothing to offer him, so why should he offer anything back?
I realize these are two extremes, but which of these two do you relate to more?
Do you feel the weight of your shame and neediness, and does it drive you to Jesus?
Or do you feel OK, not perfect but good enough as you are?
Jesus offers another way of knowing this: how strong is your love?
Stronger love indicates a stronger appreciation of God’s love; weaker love, weaker appreciation!
To be honest, on the continuum between these two extremes, I am closer to the ‘religious man’.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, it is not that I do not need your extreme mercy for my extreme sin, but I feel that need less because outwardly I am a ‘good person’ living a ‘good life’. You know me better; help me to face the truth of my sin, and your love!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Well…it really is no shocker where I stand on the continuum lol. But perhaps this is why I am so expressive or open in terms of my struggles. I wasn’t always this way. I used to think in terms of the religious man. It wasn’t until I grasped that 95% of other followers struggle too or at least willingly admit it even though they know of Jesus. That I didn’t have to pretend or fake my way through the “Christian” life anymore. It’s like my recent blog I wrote on why, (how I don’t know say for an example, a baby is born- or someone is pregnant. It’s like hooray Jesus is here, His love beams bright. Then along the way, the baby dies of sudden infant syndrome or she loses the baby) – Where is the love now? Circumstances changed. Instead of praising, we are crying. But perhaps God cries with us.
I am not being sexually abused, but I see how people look at me sometimes. The adopted child who came from a broken past, who really won’t ever amount to anything because her fears and failures speaks much louder than any truth. One day she has it altogether, the next she can hardly muster enough strength to seize the day. A burden comes with that. To be alive should be a blessing enough in itself, but this life is extremely hard. Even with Jesus being alongside the journey. The difference is Jesus does look me in the eyes and sees my real worth. He does forgive me, for my failures and mistakes and stubbornness. For running the opposite way or finding temporary fixes. In the midst of the chaos, and fears -the more responsive I become to hope and open to love. I think if I had it altogether all the time, and didn’t appreciate Jesus for who he really is – I don’t think I would be any good in terms of relating others to Him. I hate to admit that I am needy because it is so something I don’t ever want to be, something we are taught not to be. But I really need Him. We all really do.
Observations/Application
The woman must have followed Jesus and was ‘touched’ by His words. Her emotion, devotion and determination in spite of all opinion showed she had a plan – rushing to Jesus with gratitude of what He had done for her. Her deed expressed her love.
Simon on the otherhand was self serving inviting Jesus for prestige reasons. Self serving.
Although the guests and observers outside the home of Simon thought what is she doing a sinner? Since she accepted Christ as her Saviour she was a sinner. She saw her need for His grace and mercy while Simon did not.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh
I need thee, oh, I need thee, every hour I need Thee
I need thee, I need thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee every hour in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide or life is in vain
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee
Oh I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee