Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Näide

The Evangelist Luke is the only one to report the incident in which Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to his home to dine with him. A woman, a “sinner,” joins the meeting completely uninvited and honors Jesus, “wetting his feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with perfumed oil”. This confuses Simon and he wonders what kind of prophet this is, who is unaware that she is a sinner. Jesus responds insightfully with the parable of the two debtors. He explains his relationship with the woman, emphasizing that “her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” Simon would have recognized Jesus as a prophet if he had “turned away and separated himself” from sinners. Jesus does the opposite, and shows the Father’s love and mercy through his relationship with sinners. Where there was much sin, Jesus brought much love. He warned Simon that he who is forgiven little, loves little.

This picture of Simon observing and judging others is still relevant today. Aren’t we “like” Simon when we look at, and treat others in this way? Don’t we see ourselves as those who have been forgiven? Like Simon, we too must ask ourselves what image of our heavenly Father we have.

Jesus, let us look into Your mirror, become aware of our sinfulness, and begin to love one another as You love us!

Considering the grace you have received, decide today to begin to look at the people around you without judgment.