Luke 7, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Observation: The sinful woman. Jesus goes to the house of Simon, a Pharisee. There a woman known only as a sinner comes in, bathing Jesus' feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. She anoints them with expensive perfume. Simon doubts Jesus' power because He allowed this sinful woman to touch Him. Jesus instead explains why her love is greater, because she's been forgiven more than most. She treated Jesus better than the host. Instead of feeling conviction, those sitting with Jesus again doubt His authority to forgive sins.

Application: Whenever I think about my sinful life, I shudder. Can Jesus possibly have the capacity to forgive me? This woman proves He does. She isn't even referred to by her name; she's known only as the "sinful woman". Yet Jesus, who sees beyond what man can see, knows her sorrow and repentance. And He knows mine, too.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, knowing that You, in Your unconditional love, mercy and grace, have forgiven my multitiude of sins, gives me a new lease on life. I pray I can be as forgiving as You have been with me. That I can show the kind of compassion I've been shown, and that I may grant mercy as it has been granted to me. Thank You for Your great love. In Jesus' name, Amen.