“Jesus sees the real person — the person He designed them to be. Thought Jesus doesn’t overlook iniquity, He wants to help us see past outward flaws, to see people for who they are down deep, not for their presenting issues.”- Alan Wright
The turning toward the woman [Jesus] 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.”- Luke 7:44 (ESV)
In Chapter 6 (“Accepting: Seeing Beyond Appearances”) of Seeing as Jesus Sees, Alan Wright underscores the need to see people accurately. Because we experience real love only when we see them authentically and they truly see us. Our souls wither without genuine love.
As a result, Pastor Wright asks us to see Luke’s account of The Sinful Woman Forgiven through the eyes of Jesus. Luke describes the woman as “a woman of the city . . . a sinner (Luke 7:37).” Weeping uncontrollably, the sinful woman violates every social protocol. She unbinds her head covering and dabs Jesus’ feet with her flowing hair. Next, she pours perfume from her alabaster flask lavishly on Jesus’ feet.
Most significantly, Jesus allows this outrageous anointing. He allows the sinful woman to be near Him, to touch Him, and to worship Him. Yet, Simon scoffs: “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman is touching him, for she is a sinner.”- Luke 7:39, ESV
In conclusion, Pastor Wright observes, Simon fails to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Even though Simon knows all the prophets and the Scriptures, in his blindness he fails to connect the dots. However, the sinful woman, an outcast in the eyes of others, sees Jesus for who He truly is. She comes to worship Him.
Above all, Simon narrows his focus on the woman’s sin. Consequently, he totally misses his own sin of pride and hypocrisy. Hence, Simon’s on equal footing with the sinful woman.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you see past outward flaws? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: Hear Jesus’ whisper – draw near”
