READING: Judges 19-21, Luke 7:31-50
“Who is this man who forgives sins?”
Luke 7:49
She had been an immoral woman. We don’t know the details about her immorality, but it was apparently enough that people around her knew about it. At least, the Pharisee named Simon – who had invited Jesus to his home – knew what kind of woman she was. When she came to Simon’s home to anoint Jesus’ feet with perfume, the Pharisee was likely aghast at what he saw. The sinful woman wet Jesus’ feet with her tears, and she continually wiped His feet with her hair while she kissed and anointed them. Her tears suggested her brokenness over her sin or her gratitude over forgiveness, but the Pharisee wasn’t looking in that direction. Instead, he spoke to himself these words that criticized Jesus for His actions: “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39).
Jesus, though, knew exactly what Simon had said to himself, and He equally knew what kind of person this woman had been. He thus confronted Simon with a story about two debtors – a story about forgiveness and gratitude. Sure, the woman had been a sinful woman, but her actions had shown her deep level of gratitude and love for Jesus. She had much sin, and thus much reason to be grateful for a Savior who had forgiven her. Jesus again, in fact, assured her of her forgiveness, prompting others at her table to wonder, “Who is this man who forgives sins?” (Luke 7:49).
Indeed, who is this man? He’s the One who knows all things, including what we’re thinking or saying to ourselves. He’s the One who reaches out to people that others reject, like this immoral woman. He’s the One who really does forgive sins. And, He’s the One who teaches even people who arrogantly judge others, like Simon the Pharisee did. He’s a sweet, sweet Redeemer who loves the unlovable, forgives the unforgivable, and heals the unhealable.
This man is not just a man; He’s the Son of God. He’s a prophet, despite what the Pharisee thought.
ACTION STEPS;
- Think about how much sin God has forgiven in your life. Thank Jesus for dying for you.
- Choose to forgive someone in your life today.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for forgiving my sin.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ruth 1-4, Luke 8:1-25