Mercy or Judgement-Luke 7:36-48

A sinful woman followed Jesus into the Pharisee's house. As she wept, her tears fell on Jesus' feet and she wiped them with her hair. She poured perfume on them and kissed them. The Pharisee thought 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," Luke 7:39.

Knowing the Pharisee's thoughts, Jesus said, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a lender--one 500 denarii and the other 50. Neither could pay their debts so the lender canceled what they owed. Which of them will love him more?"

Simon said, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

Jesus said he was right. Then He looked at Simon and said, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house but you gave me no water for my feet. She wet my feet with her tears. You did not greet me with a customary kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she poured perfume on my feet. Her sins are forgiven for she loved much. Yet he who has been forgiven little loves little," Luke 7:44-48.

It is easy for us to judge people as Simon did, but Jesus showed mercy. Because I am forgiven of much, as the woman in this story, and know God's love, I want others to know His love and forgiveness too. Do you know God's love, my friend? If not, say His name, surrender your soul to Him, and you will never be the same. His amazing love will change you, and He will give you a new heart.

This Act Triggered His Betrayal-Mark 14:6-9

Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on  my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she as done will also be told, in memory of her," (Mark 14:6-9 NIV).

Judas, the keeper of the disciples' money, became indignant. He considered this woman's act of worship a waste and it's this act that triggered his betrayal of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It would have been better for him if he had never been born. Yet what he did led to the fulfillment of Scripture, that God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins so we could be forgiven and inherit eternal life.

Today people, like Judas, are indignant at the name of Jesus--the name above all names--the only name by which we are saved from our own sinful natures. Our world is in trouble but God is with us. He looks on the hearts of those who love Him and has promised He would never leave or forsake us. That is good news for our times. Do you believe this? If not, it is not to late to admit that the way you have lived is against God, believe He loves you and ask Him to help you live your life for Him. Then obtain a Bible if you don't have one. Begin reading in the book of Psalms in the Old Testament and the book of John in the New Testament. I am praying for you.

Thank you, Lord, that what we do for you will last forever. Give us courage and strength to be your followers. Amen.