Jesus and the Woman
Jesus the Prince of Peace offers peace to those around Him who repent and accept His rule. If we allow the Prince of Peace to rule over us, we will live in peace with Him, regardless of our past. We repent and Jesus redeems us. Jesus’ encounter with this woman reminds us of these truths.
This is exactly what she was experiencing and expressing.
Jesus saw her and saw her whole story—past, present, and future.
Simon only saw her past, her sin.
Jesus agrees with Simon’s assessment of her as someone with many sins. Jesus doesn’t say “Your sins don’t matter,” or “It’s no big deal, what you’ve done.” He correctly and truly names the reality that she has sinned many times.
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:47-48 ESV
However, Jesus doesn’t leave it there or make her sin the defining aspect of her. Jesus adds the other truths about her—her sins are forgiven, and her heart is filled with love for Him.
She is serving Jesus appropriately, and Jesus notices everything she does for Him.
… she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
… from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.
… she has anointed my feet with ointment.
from Luke 7:44-46 ESV
Simon ignored Jesus’ needs; and everyone except Jesus ignored this woman. Jesus saw the situation differently. Jesus saw her sins, but He also recognized her repentance and redemption.
She is a sinner.
Her sins are many.
Jesus has made a way for her to be forgiven.
She loves Jesus very much.
Do you know someone coming to a special event this season that might feel unwelcome, judged as unworthy, or be ignored?
Others are sinners.
Their sins are many.
Jesus has made a way for them to be forgiven.
Consider:
Could we be more like Jesus and see someone’s many sins as a foundation of great love for Jesus if they receive His forgiveness?
Can we see others with new eyes at their new beginnings?
Remember:
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
From Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
When you hear these lyrics, be reminded that Jesus came to reconcile sinners (and that’s all of us!) to Himself and to bring us peace.
Share:
What is your story of new beginnings with Jesus?
What Christmas carol is your favorite reminder of redemption?
