Experiencing Jesus e~Devotional | 5/6

PASSAGE: Same as yesterday – Luke 7:36-50

INSIGHT: In this story, notice how Jesus and Simon relate to the woman. Jesus empowers the woman by honoring her in front of Simon. Simon judges her. Jesus defends her and lets her love him and then he loves her in return. Simon shows that he feels superior to her by the way he judges her. Simon also focuses on her past instead of seeing that she can experience a new life because of God’s love for her.

Jesus lets her invade his private space and even identifies with her. Jesus really sees her (Luke 7:44) and focuses on her present state of feeling sorry for her sin. Because of her heart change, Jesus sees her faith and blesses her future. Simon can’t see her because his view of himself is too exalted. Self-righteousness blinds him – can it can blind us too.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray that God will give you a heart to see the potential in all people – even those who may appear to be deep in an unhealthy lifestyle. The love of Jesus can reach people in the deepest, darkest places and transform them.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR TODAY: When you see someone caught up something that may even dishonor God, try to see them the way Jesus would. What would he do? What would he say to them?