Recognizing The Need!

One of the challenges of life is getting some people to see what they really need. It is hard to help people who won’t accept the fact they need help. Such people have very little appreciation for help offered perhaps partially because they see themselves as being above it. Then they look down on those who are willing to recognize the need and accept the help.

Jesus was invited into the home of a Pharisee to share a meal together. ( Luke 7:36) The invitation extended by this religious leader (whose name was Simon) was accepted by Jesus, but while there a “sinful” woman came in and began washing His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with ointment. ( Luke 7:37-38) The Pharisee was shocked to say the least and even questioned the possibility of Jesus being a prophet, for if He were, surely He “would have known who and what sort of woman” this was who was touching Him. ( Luke 7:39 ESV) Jesus recognized this Pharisee was in need of learning something and so proceeded to tell a parable. ( Luke 7:41-42) This short parable was about a money lender who canceled the debts of two debtors; one of which owed a large amount and another who owed a smaller amount. Asking which of these would have loved more we read this Pharisee’s answer and Jesus’ response.

“(43) Simon answered, ‘The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’ And he said to him, ‘YOU HAVE JUDGED RIGHTLY.’ (44) Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. (35) You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. (46) You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. (47) Therefore I tell you, HER SINS, WHICH ARE MANY, ARE FORGIVEN -- FOR SHE LOVED MUCH. BUT HE WHO IS FORGIVEN LITTLE, LOVES LITTLE.’” ( Luke 7:43-47 ESV)

This woman knew her need! Perhaps this Pharisee had little appreciation for FORGIVENESS and the grace of God because he viewed himself as being very righteous. Jesus’ statements seem to imply Simon was unwilling to humble himself enough to offer Jesus the common courtesies extended to guests. However, this woman came in humbly and quietly offered loving service to the Lord.

When Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep He capped off the focus with…

“Just so, I tell you, THERE WILL BE MORE JOY IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS THAN OVER NINETY-NINE RIGHTEOUS PERSONS WHO NEED NO REPENTANCE.” ( Luke 15:7 ESV)

The reality is that we are all in need of REPENTANCE and FORGIVENESS! However, not all recognize that need! Sometimes we may look at our life and think we haven’t been so bad and because of that fail to have developed a proper appreciation for the gracious FORGIVENESS God has granted to us. The more we recognize the FORGIVENESS we have needed and received by the mercy of God, the more we will love Him and the greater desire we will possess to serve and please Him! May we each develop an appropriate appreciation for all the FORGIVENESS we have received. It will have a dynamic impact on our view of others and our continuing response to the Savior.

Have a great day LOVING MUCH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness