Day 31

It appears that a curious Pharisee is living in Capernaum who has been following the ministry of Jesus. He is intrigued enough to risk his reputation and invite Jesus for a meal with some of his friends. Naturally, Jesus accepts the invitation, and what transpires is nothing less than life-transforming- let’s see!

Read Luke 7:36-50

What does this passage tell us about Simon the Pharisee (a religious leader of that day)?

What does this “sinful woman” do that demonstrates genuine leadership humility?

What were the disciples learning about Leadership from Jesus?

What is this passage telling us about how we should love?

Maybe Simon the Pharisee was one of the elders who came to Jesus in Luke 7 to ask Him to heal the centurion’s slave. Or perhaps he had been in Jerusalem and seen Jesus’ burst of outrage. However, we can almost certainly be sure that he was one of the Pharisees in Chapter 5 because of the topic of discussion that he and Jesus have. Remember the theme of the discussion a few months before?

The Pharisees had come wanting to know if Jesus would say He had the power to forgive sins. Jesus responds, “‘but that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… I tell you, get up…”’ (Luke 5:24). This miracle and Jesus’ response must have been lingering in this man’s mind, and he wanted to know more. I also wonder who gave this story to Luke. Who was the eyewitness that told Luke about what happened this day in Simon’s house? Maybe, just maybe, it was one of these two sinners that Jesus would reach out to.

Jesus accepts Simon’s kind invitation and the Father’s divine appointment to reach out to this religious, self-righteous man and teach us something about leadership simultaneously. This woman did three ordinary things for Jesus that Simon did not. Did you pick up on them? They are in Luke 7:44-47– a foot washing, a kiss, and an anointing. All three of these were Jewish customs for someone who was a guest of honor. Simon did not do this, so the Father sent a sinful woman to do it for His beloved Son. What a gift! Notice how, throughout Jesus’ life, His Father sent all kinds of gifts His way. Jesus receives the gift from His Father as this woman humbles herself and lavishes Jesus with an expensive bath of tears and alabaster oil– much to Simon the Pharisees’ displeasure.

Jesus gives Simon a short story with a profound abiding principle. The story is of two people with a debt they cannot pay, just like you and me.

I had a debt I could not pay; Jesus paid a debt he did not owe.

Jesus then asks Simon a question, and he gives a great answer. The person who has been forgiven more (or at least thinks they have) loves more.

 You see, the woman knew she was a big sinner. She was honest and came seeking forgiveness from Jesus. On the other hand, Simon didn’t consider himself much of a sinner, at least not to the degree of this woman. After all, He kept the law and gave an outward impression of having a good, sin-free life. Yet the truth was that Simon was just as big a sinner as this woman, except he didn’t realize it. He was self-deceived. He had learned through his religious system how to cover his sins and keep them behind closed doors so that no one would know what a hypocrite he was.

As a leader, don’t fall into the trap of hiding your sins– confess them to one another and pray for one another (James 5:16).

Consider what Jesus is saying. If you don’t see the gravity of your forgiveness, your love for Jesus will never be very intense. You have to come to grips with your sinfulness, even if you have not physically killed, raped someone, or committed adultery. Take a hard look at your thought life if you struggle to see yourself as God does. You are a vile creature, and all your good works are as filthy rags in God’s sight. Get over yourself. Start dying to the old self and living to God.

When was the last time you anointed Jesus with a gift like that of the woman in today’s story? When did you last give Jesus a foot washing, a kiss, or an anointed with oil? Jesus said, “‘For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink… The king will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’” (Matt. 25:35-40).

How do you wash Jesus’ feet, kiss or anoint Him with oil? Could you do it for one another? Go ahead- find someone today and humble yourself.