Then he turned toward the woman and 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. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 7:44 – 48

The year is coming to a close.  Important thoughts fill the heart and mind.  I am convinced that one of the greatest is the words Jesus spoke to the woman who kept washing his feet, kissing them, pouring sweet-smelling oil on them, then drying them with her hair!   “Your sins are forgiven.”

Simon Peter had no time for her.  Jesus did.  What Simon was doing is not even mentioned, while we look right into the heart of this loving woman.  The contrast between Simon and the unnamed woman is striking. Everyone knew she was a sinner, even Peter who would disown Christ with a curse in a few days. She needed forgiveness, Simon needed forgiveness.  Both received it, eventually.  Is this not what brings all of us believers together?

We are sinners, saved by the precious work of Jesus Christ.  May we never, ever forget that!