Luke 7:50

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

For meditation

I can see her in my sanctified imagination, as she walked out of the house of Simon, the Pharisee who hosted Jesus for dinner – a twinkle in her eyes, a glow in her face like that of the sun breaking out of the horizon on a clear summer day, dried tears, and her chin held high. She had sneaked in with slumped shoulders a short time ago, but now she confidently walks out, relieved of her sin burden. Whoever said street life was easy?  Thank God the Master had the cure and delivered her from the weight of sin and tyranny of its rule. She walked out on cloud nine, as one could read the unspoken words on her lips to the Pharisees: “Don’t mess with me when my I am with Jesus.” That’s the freedom and exhilaration of a liberated soul – the confidence of a child after the father has silenced the bully!

Jesus had her back when the enemy swooped in for her like a hawk after its prey. But the Almighty “God in the flesh” stood up for the sinful woman in front of all the dinner guests and defended her. He 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. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown” (Lk. 7:44-47).

Turning to the woman, Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven … Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (48, 50).

Now, that is our Savior for you! Jesus Christ is our Advocate in heaven (1 Jn. 2:1); He who “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Rm. 8:34). “He is [our] refuge and [our] fortress … [our] shield and rampart” (Ps. 91:2, 4). In Him we trust.

1. What then do you fear, child of God?
2. Who can bring a charge against you “whom God has chosen?” (Rm. 8:33).
3. Who can separate you from the love of Christ (35)?
4. Have you forgotten that in everything you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loved you (37)?
5. Has any word of His ever failed? Will any word of God ever fail the saint who takes cover in Him? No, never!

So: Bring on the Pharisees and observe their shame when Jesus confronts them on your behalf. Bring on the Goliaths and King Sauls; for their end would be one and the same before our Mighty Protector – absolute defeat.

Do not fear what they fear. Be strong and courageous, for Jesus has you back!

Shalom