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Scripture
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47
Observation
Forgiveness comes not just through a sorry prayer, but through a lasting lifestyle of love that moves in the opposite direction. Jesus said that the woman was forgiven because she had loved him so much. There is no record of her asking for forgiveness. All we are shown is the picture of her caressing the feet of Jesus. That was enough for the Lord to forgive her.
The picture of a former prostitute kissing the feet of Jesus is not exactly what we would expect as a model for a sinner’s prayer. Jesus’ friend Simon was offended by it. It would be no surprise if we were too. But Jesus was not. He interpreted her caresses in another fashion. This woman was a prostitute. Seduction was an art form for her. But what she plied on the feet of Jesus was mingled with tears and perfume. She was not seducing, she was repenting in the only language that she knew. Critics saw her actions, but Jesus saw her heart and translated her movements as supreme love.
Application
It is good to be smacked with extreme images like this, for they force me to ask questions. Am I just asking forgiveness or am I acting forgiven? It is not enough for me to say sorry but to be sorry in loving deeds done in the opposite direction. It would seem from this story, that at the end of time, when the video replay of my life is screened in heaven, that the only thing that will matter will be what I’ve done out of pure love.
Prayer
Father, too much of my life is detached from love. Simon entertained Jesus, but he didn’t love him. There are many, many times that I am like Simon, busy but not loving. The prostitute offends us all and I take it to heart. Today I’m meeting with many people and making many decisions. Help me to be motivated today by pure love. Amen.
