The One Who Forgives Sins

Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to his home for a meal.  During the meal, a woman - a well-known "sinner" in the town - came to see Jesus.  She was so moved she washed Christ's feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  She then kissed his feet and anointed them with precious oil from an alabaster box she broke for that purpose.  Not everyone was pleased by this display of affection and generosity.  Luke 7:39-40 reads, "Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." ⁴⁰ And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Teacher, say it."

Did you see that?  The critical Pharisee spoke to himself, meaning this was an internal conversation he had in his mind.  What happened next proved that Jesus was more than a prophet:  He answered him!  This is one of many evidences that Jesus truly is the Son of God, a discerner of the hearts of men.  Simon the Pharisee had something to say, but social decorum demanded he keep it to himself.  Jesus had an answer for his unbelief and criticism, if he would hear it.  Jesus explained to the self-righteous Pharisee that the woman poured out a sacrifice of love upon Christ because she loved much.  She loved much because she had been forgiven much.  Simon was offended that Christ did not rebuff the woman because she was a great sinner.  What he did not know is Jesus has the power to forgive sins because He is God!  She no longer was stained by her sin because she was made righteous by grace through faith.  Therefore her sacrifice of love and praise was acceptable and pleasing in God's sight.

Luke 7:48-50 concludes the passage:  "Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." ⁴⁹ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" ⁵⁰ Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."  Not only does Jesus know the hearts and minds of people, able to discern thoughts and answer them, but He forgives sins.  This woman's faith was accounted to her as righteousness like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the harlot Rahab before her.  The shed blood of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith is able to cleanse us from all sin and make us righteous before God.  1 John 1:9 says of Christ, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Do you love God much?  Those who have been forgiven much love much, but those who have been forgiven little love little.  Does your life demonstrate you have been forgiven much by God?  Praise the Word who became flesh, the One who is more than a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart!  He is the only One able to cleanse us with His shed blood and present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy.  Hear Him!