Jesus sees

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‘Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?” Luke 7:44 (NRSV)

As Jesus sat eating with Simon the Pharisee, a woman came and washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. She then kissed His feet and poured perfume over them.

Jesus turned to Simon and asked, “Do you see this woman?” Simon saw an intruder in his home, disturbing his hospitality with Jesus. He saw that Jesus had soiled himself by touching and being touched by someone who was morally and spiritually filthy. And he felt repulsion by her overly affectionate actions towards his guest.

Yet Jesus saw something very different. Jesus saw beyond the woman’s appearance to her heart. He saw a person weeping with gratitude and relief because she had been forgiven. He saw a woman loving Him as much as she could by pouring out her best for Him. And He saw a child of God, saved by her faith and set free to go in peace.

What beauty is in this moving scene! What intimacy is shared between our Lord and His daughter! What hope is offered in these verses for each of us whom Jesus sees. Truly Christ waits and longs to forgive our many sins; to love us much.

Do we seek true intimacy and peace with God? Let us turn to Him, the One who sees, and bring our broken, sinful self to Him, pouring out our confession in humility and gratitude. We may have much to confess, but His mercy is boundless towards those who come to Him. Together let us bask in the delight of His forgiveness, for nothing is hidden from Him.

by ​Jennifer Woodley
South-East Queensland, Australia - info@grace-lines.net