Imagine being known by everyone as the biggest sinner in the town! When I once walked through a village in China I saw a large red-curtained window on a dwelling nestled beside other dwellings. That was where the local prostitute lived and the curtains were drawn when a client called on her. Everyone in the village knew her and knew what she was doing.
The woman in Luke 7:36-50 was probably a prostitute like this. We read about her courageously stepping foot into the house of Simon the Pharisee, a house filled with judgmental men.
In the presence of Jesus she was so overwhelmed at her sin that she wept copiously – so much so, in fact, that her tears washed Jesus’ feet. Because men had always taken from her she didn’t feel she had the right to even ask for a towel from them so she wiped his feet with her hair.
But Jesus recognised her heart and saw her brokenness. Jesus stood between her and her accusers.
Jesus told Simon a story that about he who has been forgiven much will love much. Jesus then showed Simon what an ungracious host he had been and how this woman had stepped in to do everything Simon had neglected. Simon hadn’t washed His feet but she had washed His feet. Simon hadn’t greeted Him with a kiss but she had kissed his feet unceasingly. Simon hadn’t offered olive oil for Jesus’ head but this woman had provided expensive perfume.
This woman had loved much because she had been forgiven much. Jesus then told the woman that her sins had been forgiven and added that her faith had saved her.
It’s the same with us. We are sinners who desperately need help. Jesus is the only way to satisfy the longing inside our souls and hearts. When others point to sins in our lives, it is Jesus alone who forgives. There are no limits on our forgiveness through Jesus.
Jesus is calling you today to come to Him to be set free, restored and made whole. When you come to Jesus, you will get the same compassionate response that this prostitute received and you can start a whole new chapter in your life.
Father, I pray for every single person who desperately needs You. I pray that they will come to Jesus to call on Him to be saved and healed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.