Read: Luke 7:36-50
[Jesus] said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (v. 50)
Every eye in the place was on her from the moment she entered the house. There were smirks, low chuckles, heads shaking—they knew who she was and the kind of life she had lived. Simon himself was judging her as she wept at Jesus’s feet, pouring out both her heart and the expensive ointment upon him. Everyone was judging this sinful woman except the one who had a right to judge her! He alone had words of mercy and forgiveness.
Simon had invited Jesus to dinner, but he had done everything he could to slight his guest. None of the traditional niceties had been performed—the washing of feet, the kiss of greeting. Simon had his doubts about this “prophet,” Jesus, but no doubts about this weeping woman who was causing an uncomfortable scene: she was a sinner—and she was touching Jesus! Jesus compared Simon’s cold hospitality with the depth of remorse and emotion of the woman and summed it up perfectly: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little” (v. 47).
Now it was Simon’s turn to be uncomfortable! He had no conception of his own sinfulness and was left unaffected by his dinner guest, but the woman left forgiven. Jesus said her faith had saved her; can the same be said of you? Then be at peace and love much the Savior who has forgiven much.
As you pray, tell Jesus that you love him.
About the Author
Laura Sweet
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
