Beth Voltmann
Jan 242 min
by Beth Voltmann
It might seem strange to us to imagine that a woman of low status in the Hebrew community would be able to enter the Pharisee’s home where Jesus had been invited to eat (Luke 7:36-38). Bible professor, Kristi McLelland, who teaches scripture from a Middle-eastern viewpoint, explains that the invited guests of that day and culture would recline on their left side facing the table while they ate, but the poor and needy, the outcasts and marginalized could gather along the back wall hoping to eat some scraps that were left over.
Before we judge Simon, the Pharisee, too harshly...when was the last time you attended a dinner event and the homeless and outcast were invited into the room to watch and wait in the hopes that the invited guests might notice them?
Or consider this, when have you so longed for God’s forgiveness that you would risk showing up at a home uninvited just hoping to have a moment with Jesus? Would you be willing to bear the shame of weeping and kissing his feet in front of all the others in attendance?
Simon noticed an outcast and responded in disgust “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.” (Luke 7:39)
Jesus noticed a person and responded in love. "Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “'Do you see this woman?'” (Luke 7:44)
Instead of shaming the sinner, Jesus chastised the accuser. “You did not.. but she [did]...” (Luke 7:44-26)
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
And then, Jesus turned and spoke directly to her. He showed:
love to one who was scorned,
mercy to one who felt shame,
forgiveness to one who was trapped in a life of sin.
Pastor Aaron recently taught that the “miracle of forgiveness” should awe us. Just as the four lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof and Jesus forgave him because of their faith (Mark 2:5), today we see another miracle:
Jesus spoke these words to a woman weeping at his feet,
“Your sins are forgiven... Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48, 50)
“Who is this who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:49)
Jesus is his name.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace...” (Ephesians 1:7)
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for noticing me—a sinner. I fall at your feet again today in repentance and thank you for the miracle of forgiveness. May I love much because I have been forgiven much. Stir within me the desire to share this Good News with anyone I meet!