As we continue our summer series on the Interaction with Jesus, this Sunday, we find ourselves at a dinner party with a Pharisee and a sinful woman.  Check it out…  

Luke 7:36-50  NRSV

36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. 37 And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38 She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” 41 “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  

What stands out to you in this story?  

There are a few different ways we can relate to this story… 

For those who feel they don’t need much forgiveness from Jesus hear the words… “the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.”  

For those who are quick to judge others by their pasts remember that there could be more to their stories with Jesus than we know. 

For those who feel their own sins are too many or too great to forgive there is a reminder of God’s amazing grace and mercy.  

For those whose hearts are overflowing with gratitude for God’s grace and forgiveness there is an example to give back to God extravagantly in return.   

Where do you find yourself today? 

Where is Jesus drawing you?   

Let’s talk about it on Sunday.