FORGIVENESS ONLY IN THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED AND RESURRECTED JESUS!
FORGIVENESS ONLY IN THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED AND RESURRECTED JESUS!
And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 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. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” —Luke 7:37-50
Who is this who can forgive sins? He is the One who “was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4). The resurrection of Jesus proved, without a doubt, that He is our Savior and it is He Who forgives sin. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (I Corinthians 15:17-19). But we followers of Jesus are not to be pitied because “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!” (v20). The ones who are to be pitied are those who have not called on Jesus! So, yes, let us take pity on them and go to them with the good news of Jesus rising from the dead!
The “sinful” women mentioned above came to Jesus and served Him because of her love for him. Because of her love for Him, she was forgiven. Jesus plainly said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” What wonderful words to hear! You who love Jesus— “Your sins are forgiven!” Rejoice, because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Resurrection— Sunday, March 31, 2024. If we understand the significance of this day and the message it brings, then may we be obedient to the risen Christ, be witnesses of His and make disciples of His as He has commanded us. Do we love Him? Then we will do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Yes, Dear Father, out of my love for Jesus, may I be faithful to what He has called me to be and do. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son and my Lord, Jesus— all for Your honor and glory!
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born” I Corinthians 15:3-8.