CONNECTING POINT: The Aroma of Forgiveness

Humans can distinguish between 2000 and 4000 different odors. Some have a heightened sense of smell and can distinguish nearly 10,000 types of odors; they are supposed experts in the wine and coffee industry. I would like to claim expertise in one of my favorite fields, chocolate, but if you follow my logic, I could be more of a consumer than a professional who distinguishes the various succulent odors. LOL!

Other odors are not glamorous to discuss, especially dirty and smelly feet. Over the centuries, innovation has brought breathable shoes and insoles that combat smell and wetness. In ancient times, none of these comforts existed, and for the most part, dirt-laden roads were prevalent. As people traveled, their feet would naturally get dirty, and some even stink. In the Bible we read of many customary practices of the Jewish world, one included foot washing of guests when they arrived at homes. This was something more than a casual greeting like a handshake we typically use, washing of feet and anointing with oil was a sign of respect and honor.

Jesus speaks about this customary practice and turns the moment into a great lesson with a Pharisee and a prostitute. Jesus draws some very important conclusions that are worth consideration. Let me give you some of the backstory. Simon, a Pharisee invited Jesus to a dinner and because community members could attend and interact with others a known prostitute showed up and began to wash the feet of Jesus. She was sobbing and even poured expensive oil on His feet. Simon looked at her with disdain and even more at Jesus, he thought, “This guy claims to be a prophet and he’s letting this sinful woman touch him! How wrong.”

Take note of Jesus’ response. “Then he (Jesus) 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'” (Luke 7:44-47). The following are some important points:

1. One is irredeemable. Simon’s attitude towards this broken woman was typical amongst his kind, a terrible example of shunning people. Jesus loves people no matter their past or reputation; He sees any person as valuable. Shouldn’t we?

2: Lost people are to be engaged. Jesus didn’t push this woman to the side; He gladly received her affection because she was honest about her sin. That day at Simon’s house, one sinner’s heart was changed. Sadly, it wasn’t Simon but a woman who desired to meet her Savior.

3: Grace can’t really be extended until it’s been first received. Simon missed the lesson, as did many Pharisees or “Keepers of the Law.” They had intellectual knowledge of sin but little heart knowledge which allows emotional gratitude to be expressed. This woman heard of Jesus and experienced something very special that day: forgiveness. Responding to Jesus can move us in an

emotional level only when our emotional wounds have been laid bare at His feet.

Wow, forgiveness is beautiful!