Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
Here it’s difficult to tell who the more unwelcome guest is. Jesus, who is invited by Simon or the sinful woman who shows up!
Even though Simon asked Jesus to come, he withheld the traditional signs of hospitality. It looks like He wants to find out something about Jesus, but doesn’t want to risk seeming to be too friendly.
He didn’t give Jesus the usual kiss of greeting. Doesn’t provide water to wash Jesus’ feet or anoint His head with oil!
The sinful woman actually performs the courtesies expected from the host. She washes Jesus feet with her tears! Dries them with her hair! Even kisses Jesus’ feet and pours perfume on them!
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."
Apparently Simon is one of those who believe in guilt by association. So he carefully keeps Jesus at arm’s length and judges Him when he allows the sinful woman to touch Him.
At this point it is beyond Simon’s wildest dreams that Jesus would not only touch sinners but actually bear the sins of everyone in the world, including his.
Jesus tells Simon a story to help him understand about love and forgiveness. We don’t know if this reluctant host ever got it. Ever understood what the surprise guest already knew.
For she experienced the love forgiveness always creates in the heart.
I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
It took love for Jesus to leave heaven, and come to earth.
ReplyDeleteIt took greater love than we could imagine, for Jesus to take oursins to the cross.
These were done so that we can receive forgiveness.
So it's somewhat of a logical step that the forgiveness we receive would breed love inside us.
Yet, sometimes our love tends to waiver. Maybe it's because we take forgiveness for granted.
"When my love for Christ grows weak
When for stronger faith I seek
Hill of calvary I go
To it's scenes of fear and woe."
If you aren't feeling loving, toward God or mankind, try focussing on the cross, and realize the cost of your forgiveness.