There is a story in Luke 7 about the passionate worship of a sinful woman who wept and poured perfume over the feet of Jesus. Jesus was eating at the home of a Pharisee when this occurred. This man was zealous for his religion and his tradition. He watched the passionate worship of the sinful woman and was disturbed. This is how the story continues.
“When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ” (Luke 7:39–49, NIV84)
Simon the Pharisee expressed in his thoughts the standard by which Jesus would have to prove His ministry. “He said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know….” Because Simon was caught in a religious bondage, his focus was on the sins of the woman. Jesus however, knew the thoughts and addressed Simon at the place where Simon could believe—knowing Simon’s thoughts. . Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you…” Jesus discerned the thoughts of Simon and established Himself as a prophet. Simon now knew that Jesus was operating in the power of God. Jesus had Simon’s attention.
Now Simon must choose if he will listen. Simon responded, “Tell me, teacher.” Simon’s response indicates respect and an open door to listen. Jesus affirmed Simon when Simon listened and answered correctly. It was not until after establishing himself as a prophet and affirming Simon’s value, did Jesus bring the wounding words of conviction. “You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.”
This is speaking the truth in love. We discern the hearts of those around us. We discern where the open door to establish the presence of God is. We establish the supernatural presence of God. We affirm the value of those we minister to. Only after that are we able to speak correction that can be received.
I see many people who condemn those who operate with a religious spirit. That is not the path of Love. The path of Love seeks to help even the Pharisees understand the Love of Jesus.
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