God of Wonders: 5 Days of Awe in the Presence of GodSample

 The Law of Love

The Pharisee must have been quite pleased that Jesus had accepted his dinner invitation. Snagging this controversial figure for a private dinner party was a win for him. And then the prostitute showed up. How did she know about this dinner party? And who let her in? Awkward! Not for Jesus, but for the Pharisee.

Not only was she there, but Jesus also allowed her to wash His feet with her tears dripping on them mixed with perfume. Did she get that perfume from one of her customers? Disgusting. What a contrast between the Pharisee’s horror and the woman’s adoration. She might have met Jesus earlier at one of His outdoor meetings. Or perhaps she knew about Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. If she had witnessed His baptism, then she heard from John the Baptist that Jesus was the One who could forgive sin. She was willing to take a risk to meet this man who might forgive her sins—and He did.

The woman’s moment of awe was not the same as the Pharisee’s. As she wept experiencing Jesus’ forgiveness, the Pharisee became even more agitated. First the prostitute came to his party, then Jesus showed no discernment about who was touching Him, and then He violated the law by pronouncing forgiveness to her. Who did He think He was—God? The woman knew the weight of the law the Pharisee lived by, but in that moment she encountered the power of a greater law—the law of love. Her outpouring of tears, oil and perfume was the measure of both her sin and His love covering it. What wondrous love.

Is your heart stirred, but you still believe not even Jesus can forgive your sins? Don’t despair. The love poured out on the prostitute years ago is still available today. Don’t let guilt keep you from gazing into His loving eyes. 

Questions to Ponder: Throughout your life, whose awe have you related to more—the Pharisee’s or the woman’s? What emotions do you experience when you think of how Jesus freely gives forgiveness to those who ask for it? 

We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at Baker Publishing Group.