Read Luke 7:36-50
Key Verse: “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
Jesus opened a new understanding of God. He brought God into view as He really is. The people of his day were often taken aback by the things Jesus said and did—the teachings and healings were astounding. Here we have an account of a dinner party hosted by a prominent religious man of the Pharisees, the sect who gave tedious attention to even the most minute commandments in their religious tradition. Socially, it was an honor extended to Jesus and an invitation he honored. To the Pharisee, Jesus had been invited to dine with distinguished citizens. To Jesus, he had been invited to teach Pharisees—those with duplicity of heart who said one thing but thought another.
The opportunity came when a woman humbly slipped into the area where they were reclining at the table and began to stir up judgmental thoughts in the hearts of those watching. She began tearfully to wash, kiss and anoint Jesus’ feet. While the Pharisees had been giving careful attention to the outward appearances of following all customs and traditions, they had not been able to hide their thoughts from Jesus. The host was thinking 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.”
While the man was doubting the validity of Jesus’ calling as a prophet, Jesus was summing up the man’s thoughts and answered them aloud with a story: “Simon, I have something to tell you . . . Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Good question. We have all sinned. Who loves God the most? Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” Jesus acknowledged that the woman’s sin was great, and she was so grateful that she wet Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, kissing them and pouring perfumed oil on them. The Pharisee had extended no extra courtesy to Jesus and was even in that moment thinking critically of him. Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” In saying that, he identified himself with God, for only God can forgive sins.
Jesus knows my critical, judgmental thoughts, too. He knows yours. Love may be the theme of the Gospel and faith may be the key to salvation, but forgiveness is the answer to our human predicament. We all need that Grace. It is the central gift God gives through Jesus. It is the highest blessing we receive. How may I express my gratitude to Jesus for His forgiveness—perhaps by forgiving others, holding no prejudice or criticism, harboring no anger or judgment?
What would Jesus say in answer to my thoughts? While it is well and good to discern between good and evil and keep religious traditions, what God seeks is a pure, non-judgmental heart. Religious traditions are good for ordering our lives in God’s will, but traditions will never save us. Faith in Jesus’ gift of forgiveness will. Go in peace. Jesus, Son of God, forgives sinners who repent of their duplicity of heart. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
