Scripture
The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?”

Observation
A Pharisee invites Jesus to his house for a dinner. A certain immoral woman goes there with an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She knelt behind Jesus weeping and washing his feet with her tears.

The Pharisee condemns both the woman and Jesus in his heart. So Jesus tells a story about two men who owed debts which the creditor forgave. He asks the man then who loves the creditor more. Jesus points out the contrast between the behaviour of his host and the woman in the way they have shown Him honour.

Jesus concludes by telling the woman “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” The men marvel at his audacity in forgiving sins.

Application
Jesus' grace is truly amazing. He forgives the most amoral, criminal people if only they will repent.

Jesus is not interested in words of faith, religious practices or social status. Only our genuine repentance and desire for fellowship with God matters.

In his words to the woman Jesus gives us three aspects of salvation:

1. Our sins are forgiven by His grace

2. Our faith saves us- our trust in Him not in our own goodness

3. We experience peace with God

We need to always be careful to be in the place of this woman and not the place of the Pharisee. Sadly the tears of repentance can all too often be replaced by the scowls of judgement of those who fail to meet our own standards of righteousness.

Prayer
Father thank you for the wonderful grace of salvation. Thank you for bringing me to the place of repentance. Give me the same love for the broken ones that you have for me. Amen.