Overwhelming Gratitude

Luke 7:44-47 Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered has not stopped kissing My feet. You did not put oil on My head, but she has poured perfume on My feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--- for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

Read Luke 7:34-50
             
Jesus acknowledges a sinful woman’s sacrifice of her tears and very costly perfume. He knows of her circumstances and the state of her heart. He knows that her gratitude for His forgiveness far outweighs the cost of the perfume. He is aware of her past and why she lived the life she lived. Her love for Him and the message He preached was the reason for her tears. She offered to Him overwhelming gratitude for the forgiveness of her sins.
             
Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house for a meal. Basic hospitality demanded that guests be offered water to wash their feet, a kiss of welcome and sometimes anointing with oil. The Pharisee did none of these things. He, in essence, was giving a subtle insult to Jesus. We are not told why Jesus was invited when it is obvious that the Pharisee had little or no respect for Jesus and His message. Perhaps it was part of the plan to discredit Jesus.
             
What we do know is that a deeply moving lesson was taught, if not received. Jesus showed deep compassion on a woman known to be a ‘sinner’. She made her living as a prostitute. Jesus offered her forgiveness and acceptance. He did not push her away or condemn her for her love offering. He made her an eternal example of gratitude.
             
Many times, we forget the cost of our salvation and what it cost Jesus to forgive our sins. We can use this woman’s worship at Jesus feet to remind us that we, too, have been forgiven much. We, too, should love much. Our countless debts have been forgiven. Offer back to Him overwhelming gratitude for the overwhelming grace He offers us.

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