The God Of Another Chance

We spoke recently about the story of a “sinful” woman who came to Jesus, anointed His feet with expensive perfume and then wiped them with her hair. I’ve had some further thoughts as I’ve been reflecting on her and some of the other characters in the story. 

The dinner party where this event took place was being hosted by a religious leader named Simon.  Rather than being pleased that someone would honour Jesus in this way, Simon was upset with this woman and how Jesus allowed a “woman like her” to do what did. 

In those days, in that culture, it was customary for the host to provide water and servants to wash the dusty feet of guests who came for dinner. This was a sign of respect and honour. In his self-righteous arrogance and pride, Simon had neglected to do this for Jesus and the other guests. 

So when the complaints came about the woman’s behaviour, Jesus responded  to Simon in this way:

Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. 

I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 7:43b-48 

The woman’s sins had been clearly visible to all in the community. Simon’s sins were no less than hers but they were hidden. 

One of the mistakes we sometimes make is assuming that when we are currently living in a socially acceptable way, then we are doing okay. The truth is, we need God as much today as we ever did.  The sins of pride and greed and lust might come out a little differently than they did at other times in our lives but they are still ugly and offensive. 

We need to recognize these sinful ways in ourselves, acknowledge our powerlessness to fix ourselves, and come to God who has made a way for us through Jesus’ death on the cross. 

Jesus gave Simon another chance that day to judge correctly.  God is giving us another chance today to humbly acknowledge our shortcomings and ask Him to remove them.

Heavenly Father, our sins are many but we are trusting today that Your mercy is more.  You and You alone know where we have failed, both in what we have said and done wrong and where we have failed to do what we ought.  We ask for pardon and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind. 

Thank You for Jesus who, through His death and resurrection provides this great gift to each of us.  Amen

I’m grateful to live today in the care of God, the God of another chance, aren’t you?