Inspiring

"One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 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."

I was recently incredibly moved by this familiar passage out of Luke. The redemptive story of someone who was broken, condemned, battered down, criticized, and lonely. I admire her courage and ability to rise above those who judged and looked down upon her. She came to the end of herself, and found Jesus. She didn't care about the mountains of whispers, looks, and judgements that would await her when she walked through those doors. Her need for healing, love, and grace were so powerful, NOTHING could keep her away.

Outwardly it was easy to see this women needed Jesus. It was Simon and the Pharisees that found it impossible to realize the fact that they needed Jesus just as badly as this precious woman did. I pray I would realize more and more how desperate I need the same healing, love, and grace this prostitute did.

"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.'"