Luke 7:44-46

Luke 7:44-46

And while being turned to the woman, He spoke to Simon, “See this woman.  I came into your house; you did not give any water for my feet.  And she has send down her tears like rain on my feet and she wiped them with her hair.  You did not give a kiss to me but she, from the time that I entered, did not cease to kiss my feet again and again.  You did not anoint my head with oil.  But she anointed my feet with ointment. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I really like Jesus’ first comment.  Jesus says to Simon, “See this woman.”  Now, He could be simple saying, “Take this woman, for example.”  But I don’t really think that is what Jesus means.  I think Jesus is reminding Simon that she is worth looking at.  Remember, Simon is a Pharisee.  He is a member of the upper echelon of the community.  It would be easy for him to overlook those below him, especially this woman.  Yes, Jesus is getting ready to use her as an example.  However, Jesus wants to remind Simon that this woman is worth looking at and recognizing in the first place.

Do you ever overlook people?  When is this easy to do?  What harm does this attitude do within us?

Second Thought:

After bringing Simon’s attention to this woman, he begins to draw comparisons to her.  Simon did not offer Jesus water to wash his feet.  Allowing a guest to wash their feet was a very common practice of hospitality in those days.  People wore sandals and walked everywhere.  Their feet got dirty.  If you’ve ever had dirty feet, you know that life is far more enjoyable once they are clean.  Jesus looks to Simon and tells him that although he invited him to dinner, he has not been hospitable.  This woman, on the other hand, has shown him hospitality and it isn’t even her house!

How hospitable are you?  Do you show outward signs of being hospitable, yet inwardly you aren’t truly caring about other people?

Third Thought:

Jesus then turns the conversation to love.  Simon didn’t offer him a greeting of a kiss, which was also customary.  He shows no sign of compassion, no sign of friendship, and certainly no sign of love for Jesus.  On the other hand, this woman kisses Jesus again and again.  She doesn’t have any prior relationship with Jesus, yet she shows her love for Him.  Simon was all about having a famous teacher at his house for dinner.  He was interested in the fame and popularity that would come from such an event.  But there was no love for Jesus in Simon’s heart.

How do you show love?  To whom do you show love?  Who should you being showing love towards and are not?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 7:47-50