Jan 27

Simon the Pharisee did not understand love. He did not understand how Jesus could let a known sinner and immoral person touch him, much less in such an intimate way as this jar-woman had. Simon does not understand. Jesus is about to help him understand.

"Simon, I have something to tell you" (Luke 7:40).

Perhaps Simon then thinks something along this line: "Oh, good. He finally realizes what is going on. Now he will tell me to remove this woman. Then Jesus and I can havean interesting discussion on the theological points I have been wanting to discuss with him."

But what he actually says is, "Tell me, teacher" (v. 41).

And so Jesus obliges him. But he does it in an indirect way. Why? Why doesn't Jesus just come right out and say it: "Simon, you're blind. You don't see what God really wants from you. You don't know that he is love and that he wants you to love this woman, not judge her."?

He doesn't say that. Instead, he tells a story that will illustrate love and forgiveness -- and then let Simon's own heart accuse him.

God once did something similar for me. I knew a woman who had some similarities in her past to the jar-woman. One day, as I she walked by me, the Lord spoke to me and said, in essence, "You are no better than she." There was no condemnation in his voice, only truth and love--and I immediately agreed with that truth, for I love the truth, even if it is unflattering or painful to me.

I heard the Spirit speak to me clearly and I still treasure that moment, for I treasure the truth, wherever it may lead -- and I know that truth always leads me to the Lord. And I long to be close to my Lord.

I pray that as we continue to look at this important event in Jesus' life, that you too will be led to a closer relationship with the Lord.

Scripture for today: Romans 3:23
Thought for today: All are equal at the feet of Jesus as they hang on the cross.
Prayer for today: Make me ever aware, Lord Jesus, that I have no basis for judging myself as better than anyone else.

JAN 27