Whether early in the morning or deep in the evening, it’s always refreshing to dig into God’s word. In 2012, one of my goals (“improvements”) was to really make the most of my “study time”. That means taking notes, meditating on what I read, and rereading it over again until I really understand and fully comprehend the magnitude of what the words on that specific page or chapter are screaming or whispering to me.
LUKE 7:36-50, the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman, has been one of my favorite “study times” so far. Some of my notes may not make much sense to you, but I invite you to read the story on your own – slowly. Perhaps read it while sipping on some hot tea, in a quiet room, away from all distractions.
- The story features a woman who sinned but loved much
- Striking aspect of the episode before us is the willingness of Jesus to fellowship with the sinful for the sole purpose of reaching their hearts with the truth.
- While he never sought such feasts, as the one to which Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus, He never refused them but deemed them openings for doing His Father’s work.
- While he never ate with sinners for any personal gratification, He was careful not to adopt a holier-than-thou attitude toward them.
- Separate from sinners, in respect to their original and practiced sin, He was willing to contact them in order to transform their lives.
- If we would rescue the perishing we must be willing to go where they are.
- The story points out that she was a woman deep-dyed in her particular kind of sin and yet found deliverance from her shameful past. This is confirms the truth that His blood can make the vilest clean.
- Beautiful portrait of those tears of hers: evidence of her sorrow for her many sins, cleansed her vision and gave her a sight of Him who came to save sinners.
- Those sobs and the deed at Jesus’ feet revealed the woman as having a sympathetic and fervent character. She was not too hardened in her sin as to be incapable of tears.
- Jesus revealed the depths of love in the woman’s contrite heart, in the words, “her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
- Christ’s final word to the saved sinner was, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
- What He emphasizes in His confirmation of deliverance from her sin was that it was by her faith that she had been saved.
- “Go in peace” were the last words the transformed harlot heard. When translated correctly, it actually means, “Go into peace.”
