GO IN PEACE

The wonderful story in Luke’s gospel of the Pharisee that invited Jesus to dine with him is a classic in contrasts. No sooner had they sat down at table, “an immoral woman” came in with an alabaster vial of expensive perfume and began to wet his feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair while kissing them and anointing them with the expensive perfume.

This of course offended the religious Pharisee like it does when a homeless person, a homosexual, a whore, a drug addict, etc. comes around any of our Christian gatherings. The Pharisee spoke to himself, saying, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner (an immoral woman).”

Jesus confronts this situation by contrasting with a parable about the amount of forgiveness given to two debtors, one owing a great deal and another a small amount, but both are equally forgiven. He asks the question which one do you think will love more of the two debtors? The Pharisee says, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” Jesus says, “You judge correctly. This woman has served and honored me since I came in here, but you have not. Her sins, which are many have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Jesus then tells the woman what we all long to hear, “Your sins have been forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Those three things set everyone free.

“Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Jesus