Preparing To Serve: A Biblical View Of PovertyMuestra

A look at spiritual poverty

In Luke 7, a spiritual leader named Simon invites Jesus for a meal. But, incredibly, Simon shows none of his culture’s signs of hospitality: no water to wash Jesus’ feet, no kiss of welcome, no oil for His head. While this breach of custom doesn’t seem to bother Simon, the scene that follows does. 

When a woman rumored to live a sinful life stops by to anoint Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume, Simon silently judges Jesus. “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner” (verse 39).

But, as so often happens, Jesus turns Simon’s judgment on its head, pointing out how the woman’s actions contrast with Simon’s own lack of respect and welcome. Jesus then links Simon’s outward actions to his inward condition: “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little,” He says (verse 47). 

Simon can readily see the woman’s sins, but he isn’t ready to acknowledge his own. As a result, he misses out on the opportunity to love and honor Jesus—and experience the joy of being forgiven.

The Bible is clear that each of us—whether religious leader or recognized sinner—needs a great deal of forgiveness. In Ephesians 2, Paul describes us as “dead” in our sins: thinking only of our own cravings, following the world’s ways, and living under the influence of evil. This is spiritual poverty. 

But then comes that wonderful transition: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (verses 4-5). Despite our separation from God and outright rebellion against Him, He shows boundless, incomprehensible love for us time and again, reaching out to restore our broken relationship with Him. 

Unlike Simon, the woman in our story recognized her own spiritual poverty, understanding that she was powerless to earn forgiveness. 

May we have the same softness of heart as this woman, and may it lead to greater humility and empathy in our interactions with others. 

Reflect on a time in the past when you felt spiritually “dead”—how did God’s love restore you to new life?