Self-righteousness, pride, and arrogance are traits that we generally don’t like to see in people. Those who are filled with that type of behavior are not pleasant to be around. And they, too, are very particular about who they choose to be with, as well. In our Gospel reading for today we will read about just such a person. He was not that cordial when dining with Jesus, and he certainly didn’t want to be around the woman who we also read about.
As our Scripture opens, Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee (vs. 36). Though that outwardly seemed like a kind and friendly thing to do by inviting Jesus to dinner, Simon was anything but polite to Him. Simon showed his rudeness and borderline hostility by deliberately committing several social errors. First, the Pharisee neglected to have a servant wash Jesus’ feet. In the hot and desert climate of Israel, people at that time always wore sandals, which caused the feet to get dusty and hot. When entering a home, the host would have a servant wash the feet in cool water. Another polite custom was to anoint the guest with a little fragrant, refreshing oil, and give a kiss of greeting. Simon did none of these, which would have been noticed by everyone there. It was obvious that Simon did not like Jesus, nor consider Him an equal or accepted guest. Jesus, though, did not return the hostile treatment. Though He was known for frequently associating with sinners, Jesus also extended Himself to the well-to-do and self-righteous, as they also need salvation.
As the meal began, a woman of sinful reputation came and knelt behind Jesus, and proceeded to weep, and poured fragrant oil upon Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair (vs. 37-38). Her actions were in stark contrast to that of the self-righteous Simon. She lavished tears, expensive perfume, and kisses to the Savior. For this woman to enter the company where Jesus was, was a bold act. She must have known that Jesus could and would forgive her repentant heart, and she had tremendous gratitude and love for Him.
Knowing both Simon’s and this woman’s hearts, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable (vs. 41-42). In His story, Jesus told of two people who owed money, one a small sum, and the other a much greater sum. Both were forgiven their debt. Jesus then asked Simon which of the two would love their creditor the most. Naturally the one who owed the most, Simon responded. Jesus then made the contrast. Simon, who felt he had few, if any sins, treated Jesus with contempt. The woman, who knew she had many sins, treated Jesus with love and gratitude.
Both the woman and Simon were debtors in need of forgiveness. The woman was aware of her sins, confessed, and had faith in Jesus’ forgiveness. Simon denied his shortcomings, and haughtily looked down his nose at the woman he considered a filthy sinner. This Pharisee had swept all of his sins under the rug of self-righteousness. He chose to ignore the truth and his need for forgiveness. Simon’s ingratitude produced a toxic bitterness that caused him to completely miss the fact of who Jesus really was. The woman, on the other hand, didn’t miss that. She didn’t sweep her sins under the rug. She acknowledged her brokenness, and received Jesus’ forgiveness (vs. 47). Even though it is only grace through faith which saves us, and not acts of love or generosity, this woman’s acts demonstrated her true faith, and Jesus honored that.
If we refuse to see the magnitude of our sin, the Lord’s sacrifice may not seem significant to us. But when we understand the true condition of our sinful hearts, and the terrible penalty of our transgressions, His immense sacrifice for us inspires deep love and devotion.
Whether our sins are large or small, we can be comforted, knowing Jesus will forgive if we come to Him in repentance (I John 1:9). It was the grateful sinner, and not the stingy, self-righteous religious leader, whose sins were forgiven.
No comments:
Post a Comment