Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 7:36-38
I really struggled with this story when I was a child because I couldn't figure out how this woman would get inside the house of a rich man.
So, let's go back to the culture of Jesus' day.
#1 There was no air conditioning.
#2 There were no electric fans.
#3 It was very hot and dry.
#4 Often the dining area was like what we would call a sidewalk café. It was in a courtyard out in the open air. There were probably servants all around swinging palm branches trying to keep the guests cool.
#5 Servants were everywhere – not only the house servants, but the servants of the guests – so a “new” person would not be “strange”.
#6 The rich of that day, placed their courtyard out in the open so that they could get the most of the breeze – but also so that they would be seen by others. It was not unusual for crowds to gather to watch special dinners happening – even though they were not invited “in”.
I hope that makes it easier to visualize this Scripture.
Read Luke 7:39-50
Do you think Jesus knew who this woman was?
Do you think Jesus was teaching that Simon didn't sin much?
I believe Jesus was saying that Simon didn't think he needed forgiveness because he was filled with pride. Jesus knew the heart or core of both! I think Jesus was telling Simon that he had not been forgiven and was empty – therefore his love for Jesus was not overflowing.
You cannot receive Jesus until you first discover how hopelessly empty and sinful you are. What do you think of this statement?
When we realize how hopelessly sinful and empty, we are, we can invite Jesus in and let Him take care of our sins. Then our gratitude will be overflowing.
If you have invited Jesus into your God-shaped vacuum and He has forgiven your sins and has filled you with Himself – I suggest you take a few minutes just to say thank-you.
Read Luke 8:1-3
It is significant that Luke mentions the women who traveled with Jesus and His apostles and took care of their physical needs – like food and laundry! Some of these women were even able to contribute financially to help purchase the food and supplies that the group needed. Their contribution would be overlooked by most scholars of that time in history. But Jesus began changing the way society looked at women and the result was that Luke considered this information noteworthy.
In His service, dale
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