“Your Sins Are Forgiven…Go In Peace!”

“Your Sins Are Forgiven…Go In Peace!”
Nothing is new. Today we talk of kinesics, “the study of the way in which certain body movements and gestures serve as a form of non-verbal communication.” The polygraph or lie detector test may have a correlation to kinesics. Jesus seems to have been a master of this science many centuries ago.
While honouring an invite to dinner in the home of Simon a Pharisee, a woman comes in with an alabaster jar of perfume. She wept and used her tears to wet Jesus’ feet, wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Knowing the lifestyle of the woman, the Pharisee misreads the woman’s body language to be seductive. He 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.”
Jesus was more than a prophet! Jesus was a mind reader and he understood body language very well. The Pharisee had only “said to himself,” but we are told, “Jesus answered him…”
Where Simon had read seduction in the womans action, Jesus read remorse and deep agape love that comes only from a truly repentant heart.
Society has a way of defining people and condemning some to damnation without seeing their deep pain! This woman could not have lived in sinfulness without the participation of the men of the community! Both the Pharisee and his other guests – who were most likely the elite corps like him – were probably some of her clients; otherwise why did they tolerate her presence?
This woman may have been living a sinful life because she was forced by circumstances beyond her control. The moment she heard about Jesus she knew her solution had been found. Her repentant action compelled the compassionate Jesus to do just what he came to do. Jesus told her, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace”(Lk.7:36-50).
Dear friend, to define some as sinners keeps you comfortable in your own sin, be when you repent and turn to Jesus Christ, he assures forgiveness which makes you whole.
Yes, Erdmann Neumeister composed, “Sinners Jesus will receive; Tell this word of grace to all…Christ receiveth sinful men, Even me with all my sin…,” and even you too!
Jesus is waiting with open arms to welcome you and tell you, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, forgive my sins and give me your peace which passes all human understanding. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!