“A Sinful Woman Forgiven” (Luke 7:36-50): Part III
Something I only just realized about this passage is the fact that Simon the Pharisee didn’t say this judgmental statement directly to Jesus. In fact, he didn’t say it out loud at all. He said it to himself...and Jesus answered him!
Now, when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it teacher.” Luke 7:39-40 (ESV)
Not only an answer, but an incredible comeback that our Lord is so totally known for—especially in His dialogue with Pharisees. We’ll look further into Jesus’s response to Simon tomorrow.
These dudes were perpetually out to find flaws in Jesus—anything—and they just couldn’t do it. Not only did Jesus seem have an answer to all of their questions, but also He did it in such a clever way that had to have left them speechless with their feet in their mouths. Simon was appalled and embarrassed that this woman was interacting with Jesus in such a way, and that Jesus was tolerating such behavior. Decorum of the time would not have allowed such a scene to occur. She would have been considered out of bounds to regular society, but not to Jesus. Not one bit.
But Jesus knew the heart of this woman, just as he knew the mind of Simon the Pharisee, and just as He knows the hearts and minds of each of us. The One who made our minds surely can read them. He knows our flaws and sees our intention—just like this “sinful woman,” He knows we are sinners and yet loves us so much that He literally died to save us.
Let’s stop pretending like we’re hiding anything from Him—we aren’t. Yesterday’s post concerning prayer references several verses where we know from the Bible that we don’t hide anything from the Father. He sees it all and He loves us despite our sins and flaws.
Let’s drop our facades. Let’s genuinely repent with authenticity and honesty. It’s time to face the facts: we are all sinners in perpetual need of a Savior. He alone is able. We are absolutely nothing without Him.
“A Sinful Woman Forgiven”: Part I
“A Sinful Woman Forgiven”: Part II
Prayer Request Wednesday Initiative
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
