The Pharisee and the Prostitute

One day, Jesus was eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee when a prostitute came in. ‘The woman kissed His feet and poured…perfume on them. The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and said to himself, “If this man really were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him!”’ (Luke 7:38–39 CEV) But Simon got it wrong. It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t know, it’s that He didn’t care ! That day, He forgave her sin and sent her on her way redeemed, restored, and redirected.

This story confirms what we already know; Jesus came to save sinners on the street and hypocrites in the church. No one is beyond the reach of His grace. With that in mind, think this way:

(1) Never forget what God saved you from! Note what Jesus told Simon the Pharisee: ‘Anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.’ (Luke 7:47 CEV) Remembering the sins of his past, David wrote: ‘He… brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay… set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.’ (Psalm 40:2–3 NKJV)

(2) Remember that Jesus isn’t looking at your past but at your future. The crowd saw this woman as a weed, but Jesus saw her as a rose, and He watered it. Bottom line: if you need forgiveness today, come to Jesus. And if you have been forgiven, pour out your heart to Him in praise.