To wrap up our week together, we are going to make a pivot from Matthew’s gospel over to Luke’s. Today’s parable is one that brings me to my knees nearly every time I read it. What a beautiful way to end our week.

Let me ask you a question, and I want you to answer as honestly as you can: When was the last time you were deeply, truly thankful?

I don’t mean the curt, “Oh, thank you!” comment we have a tendency to give to people when they do something nice for us. I mean a deep, nowhere else to turn, your entire life has been altered, full-throated, “THANK YOU!”

Maybe it’s been a while.

If that’s you, then I encourage you to let this story awaken your heart and soul with a reinvigorated passion for our King.

This parable in Luke 7 exists to show us a genuine response to God’s overwhelming mercy. I wonder what commotion this woman’s weeping must have made at the Pharisees’ table. Imagine her there on the floor, openly weeping in front of strangers. She disregards their disapproval and makes a radical display of devotion.

Then, Jesus bends down, looks her in the eyes and holds her hand. Then He wipes the tears from her face and tells her the truth: Her weeping is not in vain. Her sins are forgiven. She came in weeping, but can go out rejoicing.

What a story!

Unfortunately, not everyone is amused by her arrival. The hosting Pharisee does not ask who she is, what she’s doing, or why she’s doing it. He doesn’t provide her a seat at the table. He assumes that since he knows about her past, he knows everything about her future, too. He talks about her, but doesn’t care for her. He judges her by what she’s done, not by what God will do for her. He misses the miracle.

But when Jesus looks upon this weeping woman, He sees the beauty in her sacrifice and in her heart. When Jesus sees her, He offers her abundant mercy and a new identity.

This. This is our God!

When I humble myself before Him, He forgives everything and puts my feet on a whole new path. When Jesus explains His parable of the creditor with two debtors to the Pharisee, He says, “Her many sins have been forgiven; that is why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little” (v47-48).

Jesus’ point is this: this woman isn’t a worse sinner—she’s a better seer. Unlike the Pharisee, she sees her sin for what it is. She knows her debts and doesn’t try to minimize them. Rather than trying to hide her mistakes, she grieves openly for how she’s failed. In using the parable, Jesus is inviting the Pharisee to see his sin with a clearer vision, to see that the molehill of sin in his heart is actually a mountain.

Here’s the takeaway: The right perspective on the magnitude of sin leads to a radical posture of gratitude toward God.

Jesus isn’t saying we need to sin more in order to love Him more. He’s inviting us to see the evil of our sin without mitigation. Only after taking a brutally honest look at ourselves will we be able to appreciate the merciful, caring, forgiving gaze of our Savior.

He lovingly looks us in the eyes and gently wipes away our tears.

He sets our feet on new paths.

May we focus on that change today and, with grateful hearts, thank Him for all He’s done for us.

Reflection:

• Who do you identify with more in this story? The Pharisee or the woman?
• How does a proper perspective on our sin lead to a greater gratitude of God’s love & faithfulness?
• How can you reawaken to the glorious grace that has been given to you through the Person and Work of Jesus Christ?
• Prayer: Jesus, give me a greater understanding of how You have saved me from my sin and separation from You. You gave Your life for me, and, like the woman in Luke 7, I pray my heart would overflow with love and gratitude for You. It can be so easy to lose my understanding of the magnitude of your sacrifice. Awaken me again to the grace of Your sacrifice on the cross. I thank You, Lord. With everything I am and everything I have, I thank You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Family Content

Author: Anna Overstreet

• Today, we are in Luke 7:36-50. It’s one of my favorite “underdog” stories of the Bible. It should come as no surprise to you that there is yet another parable in this story, but the way Jesus tells it is pretty neat and makes the least likely person the “main character”.
• Jesus was invited to eat at a man’s home and was at the table when a woman interrupted them. Next, she worshiped Jesus in some super cool and unique ways. Since she was considered a social outcast to the men who invited Jesus, they weren’t pleased by her presence. I imagine they were even less impressed by how Christ received her acts of kindness to Him. They then questioned Christ, probably thinking they would get the best of Him. That’s when the parable enters the scene! Jesus used their real-life, in-the-moment behavior towards her to create a story and make an example out of them. His parable highlights their poor behavior towards the woman, while praising her for her bold faith and true worship of Him. I can just imagine the men walking away with bruised egos and frustration, while the woman left having finally received the forgiveness and love she had always longed for.
• List all the ways the woman was bold for Christ.
• How have you been bold for Christ?
• How does it make you feel to see Christ coming to the defense of social outcasts like the woman?
• Why did Christ accept her offerings and defend her?
• Prayer: Dear God, Your love for the least of these never ceases to amaze me. Thank You for showing us what it looks like to live boldly for You. Help us to be bold in our worship and pursuit of You like the woman in the story. Thank You for all You have taught us this week through real-life examples and parables. You are the Master Teacher. We love You! Amen.