Lessons from Jesus and women

Woman anoints Jesus' feet

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Luke 7:36-8:3

TO CHEW ON: "And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities … who provided for Him from their substance." Luke 8:1-3

Jesus went against His culture in the way He interacted with women.The Pharisee at whose house He was eating expected Jesus to draw back in revulsion at even the touch of the woman who was making a scene—standing at His feet sobbing. When her tears wet His feet, she dried them with her hair, then poured perfumed oil on them.

Jesus sensing Simon's scornful thoughts (for that was the Pharisee's name) told him a little story about forgiveness. It was designed to make Simon and the other guests reflect on their own relationship with God. And then, with great tenderness, He said to the broken woman, "Your sins are forgiven … your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Our focus verses draw attention to the fact that Jesus took support from three named women and "many others." They had once been unfortunates—outcasts with their "evil spirits and infirmities." But Jesus had cast out those things. Now they expressed their gratitude to Him in a public way by supporting Him and accompanying Him on His travels.

Jesus' words and actions invite us to look at our own.

• Do we have a bit of the Pharisee in us in the way we treat people? Do we look at their lifestyles, their sex, their appearance and at least in our thoughts, turn up our noses? There is in Jesus' acceptance of all kinds of people a picture of God's heart for them. Let's ask God to help us strip off all the outer trappings and see people as He sees them—each an infinitely valuable and precious soul.

• We have all been forgiven—and much. Are we even conscious of the extent of His forgiveness? Are we expressing our gratitude? These women expressed theirs with perfume, wealth, and their presence. How will you, how will I say 'thank you'?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for this picture of Your tender heart toward the broken. Help me to see the worth of each person and to express my gratitude for Your forgiveness of me in ways that cost me something. Amen.

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The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. - Used with permission.