“Faith That Saves!”

“Faith That Saves!”(Lk.7:36-50).
Jesus was in the house of a Pharisee for dinner. A woman who lived a sinful life came with an expensive perfume. She wet Jesus’ “feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.”
The Pharasee saw the woman’s action and “said to himself, ‘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.”
We see in the thoughts of the Pharisee what psychologists call “projection.” “Projection is a type of psychological defense mechanism in which a person, consciously or unconsciously, attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or traits onto another person or group.”
Agreed that the woman was a sinner (prostitute), but no prostitute sins alone. If the men do not go to a prostitute, she wouldn’t continue in her trade.
Jesus, however, saw in the woman’s action genuine contrition of heart and repentance. The woman’s action was a show of great love. Christ Jesus, in his mercy, does not reject any sinner who comes to him. He came to save sinners.
The Pharisee is a microcosm of the self-righteous who, instead of dealing with their own little sins and asking for forgiveness, use projection as a defense mechanism to feel comfortable in their sins.
Besides, the Pharisee underestimated Jesus by thinking, “If this man were a prophet…” Jesus is more than a prophet who knows us better than we know ourselves.
When grace finds us and we turn to the Lord in true penitence and faith, our lives can never be the same.
To any sinner who shows great love like the woman, the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Your sins are forgiven.” “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, our faith looks up to you. Hear us while we pray, and let us this day be fully yours. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
04/09/2025.