Day 9 — Freedom through Forgiveness
A woman’s act of devotion shows that those forgiven much love much.
Luke 7:36 - 50
36One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat at the table.
37Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
38Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." He said, "Teacher, say on."
41"A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?"
43Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most." He said to him, "You have judged correctly."
44Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.
45You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet.
46You didn't anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
48He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
David reflects on God’s character.
Psalms 103:8 - 12
8Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.
9He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
12As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.