What is your price on Grace?

Luke 7:36-50

As I read these verses I could not help wondering, how did the sinful woman get into the Pharisee’s house, was she part of the servants?  That seems doubtful in that being a Pharisee required separation from sin and sinners.  It is not told but one can guess this woman was a prostitute, and it also could be assumed she has encountered Jesus at some point.

One thing is certain, she heard Jesus was at the Pharisee’s house and she entered with “an alabaster jar of oil and stood behind Jesus feet weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears.  She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.” (Luke 7:37b-38)  The Pharisee who had invited Jesus home for dinner is not saying a word but his thinker is going wide open: “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him – she’s a sinner!” (Luke 7:39b)

This is a warning to all who claim to be followers of Jesus, and there is no evidence the Pharisee was, he may have been a seeker like Nicodemus, or was trying to trap Him, it is not clear.  But to all who have invited Jesus into their life, He knows our every thought, and often He will confront each of us as He did the Pharisee. 

Picking up the story in verse 40, “And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”  And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 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.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  (Luke 7:41-50 ESV)

I’m fearful that we often forget what Jesus has done for each of us; yes, it is beyond our full understanding, but that is the Victory, our Faith and God’s Grace.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice