GRACE WINSSample

We often think about what Jesus can do for us, but perhaps we do not think about what our hospitality toward Jesus should be? Jesus gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. Jesus highlights why Simon does not receive the same freedom that comes from God’s grace, as does the woman who Simon looks down upon. 

First, Simon did not wash the feet of Jesus, which in those times was a custom that spoke of welcoming a guest. Are we welcoming Jesus into the home of our heart with this kind of honor? Secondly, Simon did not greet Jesus with a kiss, which was an appropriate greeting similar to a hug or a welcoming handshake in today’s culture. There is a sense that Jesus was invited by Simon, but the invitation was followed by a cold reception rather than a humble honoring of Jesus. We cannot receive from that which we do not honor. The surest sign of pride can be seen in our lack of honoring Jesus and also one another. Jesus is revealing that there is little-to-no-way Simon would ever help this lady if he cannot humbly give the honor that is due to Jesus. And, funnily enough, Simon did not realize he was entertaining God Himself in his own home!  

Thirdly, Simon did not anoint Jesus’ head with olive oil. The contrast in how each treated Jesus is apparent. This broken woman pours out very expensive perfume—which would have been far more expensive compared to the relatively cheap olive oil that Simon would have used for other guests he entertained. The woman worships extravagantly, out of her own brokenness, while Simon does not see himself as a sinner and cannot give Jesus an ounce of inexpensive worship. We all need grace, but pride will stop us from receiving the grace we desperately need, whether we know it or not. 

The most dangerous place to be is thinking we don’t need grace—when in fact we need it daily and therefore need to humble ourselves daily. May we humble ourselves, realize how beautiful are the feet of Jesus who brings good news into our life, and gratefully embrace that we are not saved by works but by grace! May we kiss and greet King Jesus as He enters our life each day, may He sense the honor and desire that we want Him in our lives. May we anoint His head with worship that costs us something. May we never hold back from worshipping the one who gave His very life to save us and give us true freedom. Grace wins, but may we never forget pride will cause us to lose. Let’s humble ourselves again and welcome Jesus into our lives with honor and worship.

- Josh Kelsey