Luke 7:36-50
Have you ever paid attention to the kinds of people you invite into your home…or in some way or another they end up there? I can remember as I was growing up that everyone seemed to be welcome in our home…with one or two exceptions. My mom in particular was uncomfortable with anyone of color who happened to drop by except for one young man she knew very well. And she was uncomfortable with people with retardation. She said she “didn’t know how to speak to them”.
My dad on the other hand was happy and comfortable with anyone in our home…but he was brought up quite differently and was a more accepting person as were his parents. My mother’s mother was not accepting of most people so Mom actually did quite well.
Are there people that you are not comfortable with in your homes? I would guess there are. The Pharisee was comfortable enough with Jesus in his home, but many people were not happy with Jesus’ being there.
And then the woman “who had lived a sinful life” appeared. That must have created an uproar for everyone except Jesus. He was able to accept her, and her tears as well as her gift of perfume. The Pharisee had offered Jesus none of these things although he could have afforded to give Jesus much more…provide more hospitality, but he didn’t.
And then Jesus forgave the woman’s sins. It is fascinating to me that people became upset that Jesus forgave sins even though I understand that it wasn’t the convention of the time. But the people did not understand that Jesus and God were the same. And Jesus told her to go in peace. I wonder if we send our visitors away with such a blessing. Frequently, some of us are glad to see visitors go so that we can get back to our TV program. What a terrible way to honor God!
Carol
Bible Breath: Your faith saved you / Go in peace
