When the Pharisee who had invited [Jesus] saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39).
Our Father and our God, time and time again in Your word we see Your love and regard for all people; Your concern for the "least of" humanity (Matthew 25:40).
In the gospel accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus, we see Him accused of "eating with tax collectors and sinners"—living and relating in community with the hated, the disdained, the outcast, the powerless, and the insignificant in society (Mark 2:15-16; Luke 7:44-50; Luke 19:5). We see the stark contrast between Jesus and the influential people of His day in the way each viewed people of little or no social or religious standing.
Where Simon the Pharisee saw "the kind of woman" to be shunned and scorned, You saw a heart of love and worship. For You Lord, the tag "sinner" is an invitation into Your grace, a welcome into the community of "the forgiven". Thank You for Your assurance that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17). You did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).
O Father, Your word tells us that there is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). Remind us of how much we have been forgiven, so that we do not dare in arrogance treat others with scorn or contempt. Help us to love much, knowing we have been forgiven much. Help us to show others Your grace knowing the grace we have received.
Thank You that when we accept by grace through faith the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins, You will never drive us away as that "kind of [person]" (John 6:37). Thank You for erasing the ugliness of shame and labels from our lives and for bringing us into the joy of worship with Your words of grace, "your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48).
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.
~ John Newton ~ Published 1779
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