A Sinful Woman Brings Jesus a Gift | Luke 7

I followed the voices to the dining room. At least a dozen Pharisees reclined around the table. Jesus was just inside the doorway, facing the opposite direction. When I felt his nearness, I was overcome. I began to weep and dropped to my knees behind him. 


I really didn’t want to cry in front of these men. But, I couldn’t stop. My heart grieved over every evil thing I had done. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered. My tears fell over Jesus’ feet, washing away the road dust. I let down my long hair and used it to dry them. These precious feet brought me hope. I bent down and kissed them. Then, I took out the gift—an alabaster jar of perfume—broke it and massaged the fragrant ointment into his weary feet.

By this time, Jesus had turned around. He gazed at me with tender eyes. But, he spoke to the host, “Simon, two men owed debts they could not pay. One owed $50,000 and the other $5,000. The money lender graciously cancelled both debts. Which debtor loved him more?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one with the bigger debt.”

“When I entered your house, you did not give me water to wash my feet, or greet me with a kiss, or anoint my head with oil. This woman has. Her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But, he’s who has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then, Jesus spoke the words I longed to hear,

“Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Image from Dreamstime.

Rita, Mark and son Welcome to  Real Life . Mark and Rita fell in love, married, and had two children. Then, Mark met Beth. They ended up having an affair. Mark left his family and married Beth. Eight months later, Mark had a life-altering stroke. This is Beth and Rita’s story of grace.  Beth   I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was a young teenager. However, I didn’t really know what that meant. I didn’t understand salvation or grace. I knew God, but kept my distance from him.  I felt like I was too far gone. I wasn’t worthy of his forgiveness. When I met Mark, I was rebounding from a long, unhealthy relationship. Ironically, what drew me to him was the way he interacted with his family. Mark was and is a patient, loving father.  I saw the special relationship he had with his children. As we began the affair, I was racked with guilt. I consoled myself with the thought that he was the one sinning, not me. He was the married one. I was single.  Beth and

Welcome to Real Life . In today’s Ministry Spotlight, join my conversation with . . . Michelle Virnelson Love INC (in the Name of Christ) Cuyahoga County, Ohio Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT Michelle, tell us about your position at Love in the Name of Christ. I’m the Clearing House Coordinator as we partner with local churches to help people in crisis. Every person who calls Love INC for help eventually goes through me. We take their information and then I match them with resources to meet their need. 2019 Update:  Michelle is now Executive Director of Love INC Cuyahoga County. How do people in crisis find Love INC? They are often referred to us by their church, or an agency like United Way or Catholic Charities, and sometimes word of mouth. Te

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today? Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert. On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua , I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can’t sleep, etc. I’ve learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg. As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out o