SCRIPTURE: Luke 7:36-50

OBSERVATION:
Jesus has an amazing ability to handle critical comments. He exposes the loveless, proud heart of the Pharisee and at the same time honours the humble, sinful heart of this immoral woman. Her sins were great, but her heart was humble, and that is what Jesus (and God) is looking for. Jesus is not saying that the Pharisee has only a few sins, but that he FEELS as if he has only a few sins to be forgiven. He was self-righteous, he felt good about himself, therefore he had no reason to love God or Jesus much. God owed him. He was a very poor host, he did not do the things that was customary of any host for any guest. This was no minor oversight, this was an act of disdain and disrespect. Jesus exposes his sinful heart, but did he get it? In the end, Jesus ignores the others at the table, and simply focuses on the sinful woman… go in peace!

APPLICATION:
How much sin do I think I’ve been forgiven? How much love do I show the Lord? If I feel as if I’ve been forgiven little, I will love little. Was it forgiveness that drew me to believe, or the hope of heaven? Was it shame for sin, or the desire to save my butt from hell? God has allowed me to have a glimpse of sinful I am, but I still feel as if I take His mercy for granted. My response is not like this woman’s, and I wonder if it should be, if it could be? And how do I treat “sinners”, people who I would consider greater sinners than me? Do I see them with God’s eyes, or self-righteous eyes? How do I treat people I do like? Disrespectfully? Who am I more like, the Pharisee or the sinful woman?

PRAYER:
Lord, open my heart to me, graciously, to see where I am proud, self-righteous, or disrespectful. Help me to realize my sin, and make me humble and loving like this woman. And may I hear Your words in my heart, “Your sins are forgiven… go in peace!” Amen.