Luke 7:36-50. This is a wonderful story of comparison. It involves a Pharisee (which means "the separated one) named Simon, who invited Jesus to a meal. In the gospels, only two Pharisees are mentioned that engage Jesus in such an intimate way. The other is Nicodemus who approached Jesus at night - not wishing to be seen with him. Simon, however, invites Jesus to a public meal.
The power of this story is the mind reading ability of Jesus and his condemnation of Simon or at least his "leveling the playing field" between Simon and this sinful woman. Simon, on par with his Pharisee-ship and being separated from the world - can't believe that Jesus lets a sinful woman touch him. Of course, Jesus came to the world to save, love, and forgive sinful people. The fascinating part of this is that Simon can't see his own sinfulness.
My prayer is that I would be able to see my own sinfulness, repent every time and lavish such love and devotion and worship on Jesus Christ that I would be much more like the sinful woman, who wept at Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair and anointed his feet with precious oil.
Could you pray for the same "eye opening" experience? Could your eyes be open to your haughty, prideful, judgmental attitude and be humbled, loved and forgiven by Jesus Christ? That's my hope for you! When that happens, life is far more glorious and compelling!
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