Tuesday
Read: Luke 7:18–50
SOAP: Luke 7:47–50
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Devotion
The Pharisees and experts in the law were continually trying to trap Jesus. They challenged Him with questions, scenarios, and hypothetical situations to see how well He knew the law. Jesus knew the law better than they did because He is the Word made flesh. Even still, they criticized Jesus for what He did and who He associated with. The Pharisees and religious leaders believed their righteousness came from their adherence to the law. Though their hearts were far from God, they believed their strict obedience to the law would save them.
The Pharisees needed forgiveness, just like everyone else. They could not earn forgiveness or salvation by themselves. Even though they knew it was impossible to keep the law in their own strength, they were unwilling to recognize or admit that they were broken and sinful.
Jesus offers salvation by faith, not by works. Though the Pharisees were faithless, many in Israel displayed great faith.
An unnamed, uninvited woman approached Jesus. She poured expensive perfume on His feet and wiped the dirt and dust off His feet with her hair. All of this was an outpouring of love to her Lord, the One who forgave all her sins. What her sins were or what her past looked like no longer mattered when she met Jesus. He had forgiven her, and she loved Him.
Jesus is powerful. He has the power to forgive sins and turn hardened hearts to Him. He is also full of love, care, and compassion, and He fully and completely welcomes us when we turn from our sin and follow Him. The Pharisees did not love Jesus because they did not believe they needed forgiveness. But the woman knew she needed to be forgiven, and it drove her to love and worship Jesus with abandon.
We must continually ask ourselves how we respond to Jesus and the forgiveness He offers. Do we see our need for forgiveness and therefore come to Him in love and worship, or do we deny that we are sinners and then criticize His grace and mercy for others? May we be like this woman, acknowledging that we are loved and saved by grace, enabling us to extend love and grace to those around us.