![As we walk through 2018, may Jesus be able to say of each of us, “She loved much.” Have faith. Show love. Scripture teaches usthe only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. [Galatians 5:6b]](https://www.alliancewomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Adobe-Spark-10.jpg)
She Loved Much
Women Impacted by Jesus – part 7
We are traveling together through the gospel of Luke, reflecting on women who received “more” through the life-transforming work of Jesus.
Today we find ourselves in the home of Simon the Pharisee. Jesus has been invited to have dinner with Simon and some other guests. One uninvited guest appears – a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town. She came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. [Luke 7:37b-38]
Simon saw her sin; Jesus saw her faith.
Jesus defends and affirms her
Jesus turns toward the woman and speaks to Simon. That simple gesture of turning toward her should not be overlooked. Jesus then affirms the woman’s acts of devotion by declaring three times, “You did not…but she did,”and makes this summary statement: “She loved much.”
Jesus forgives her
Speaking to Simon, Jesus says, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven.” Then, speaking to the woman, Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven.”These are the first words Jesus speaks directly to her. They are life-giving, burden-releasing words.
Jesus reassures and commissions her
The account concludes with these words spoken by Jesus to the woman: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Jesus gives her a fresh start.
As we walk through 2018, may Jesus be able to say of each of us, “She loved much.” Have faith. Show love. Scripture teaches us the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. [Galatians 5:6b]
May we love Him much and go in His peace.
