Do You See This Woman?

Scripture – Luke 7:44-50: 44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Reflection: It’s hard to know where to start here. There are so many different things popping out in this story.

I’m caught right off the bat by Jesus’ question to Simon: “Do you see this woman?” Clearly Simon saw someone “who had lived a sinful life.” (vs. 37) But did he see the person she was? I think that’s the essence of Jesus’ question.

There are a lot of people I see but don’t really see during the day. They may be obstacles when I’m trying to drive somewhere. They may be servants when I buy something. They may be potential problems I have to encounter. But rarely do I stop and see the individuals they are.

I’ll pay attention today. I’ll remember everyone I see has a story. Everyone I see was created and is loved by God. I’ll make it a point to see people today, as Christ has seen me.