Daily Bread – March 21, 2022 (The Second Day – Genesis 1:6-8) Luke 7:47-48 – “For this reason, I tell you her sins, which are many, are forgiven because she has shown great love; but the one who little is forgiven, loves little. Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” How much have you been forgiven? In reality, everyone needs the same level of forgiveness. However, only when we encounter the presence of Jesus do we become aware of our need. His splendor and purity has the same effect on every man. Just as Isaiah, though he was a consecrated and obedient prophet, did when he saw the glory of God, and he cried out, “I am undone!” (Isaiah 6:5) Simon, the Pharisee, had reason to trust in himself because of his religious practices, but he actually was as in need of forgiveness and redemption as much as the woman who was a sinner. Simon, like Saul of Tarsus, was blind to his sin and need for a Savior (Romans 7:12-20). Simon thought he could trust in his observance of the law and his religious practices, and therefore, was unable to see the true condition of his heart. Jesus addressed the same blindness of mind among the Pharisees when they were unwilling to recognize their sin (John 8:24-32). Simon loved Jesus just enough to invite Him to his house, and he was forgiven just enough for Jesus to be willing to come. Simon thought he was so much better than the woman because he was unaware of his spiritual need. The Almighty God was in his house, but he was so self-absorbed with his own religious practices that he was unaware of his visitation. Had he only been willing to recognize Who Jesus was, he would have been overwhelmed with the same kind of love and affection. Simon, just like many other Pharisees of his day, had no clue that the condition of their spiritual nature was totally unacceptable to God. They were unaware that the law was only a schoolmaster training them of their need for a change of nature (Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 31:33; Galatians 4:6). It was not the woman’s love that saved her, but it was her faith expressed through her love that saved her (Luke 7:50; Galatians 5:6). One of the shocking things about this interaction was how the woman seemed unaware of her sin. She was a woman who was well aware of the opinion of the Pharisees concerning her presence. She knew she was unwelcome in their houses (Matthew 9:11; Mark 2:16). Yet, she was so overwhelmed by the love of Jesus, and felt so comfortable and accepted by Him, that she not only wept at his feet – but kissed them! Could there be a more perfect description of how God empowers us to love Him through His love for us, “Herein is love, not that we loved Him, but that He loved us!” (1 John 4:10) The woman, so empowered by the love and acceptance she felt for Jesus, moved past every obstacle of rejection to embrace the One Who came to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 3/21/2022
