Luke 7:48,50b – Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven. … Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (NLT)

Fundamentalist was the term that Dad used to describe himself. Mom's take on things, I was unsure about. Occasionally, I would pick up vibes that she disagreed with some of Dad's philosophy. I knew that he believed that faith was the way to God, but the constant emphasis on rules seemed to interfere with what he attempted to teach me about God. What seeped through was the "thou shalt nots". When I finally began meditating on God's Word rather than just reading it, I discovered that God wanted more in our relationship than my obeying a list.

I doubt that the sinful woman who approached Jesus attended the synagogue. She was considered a "sinner" and probably wouldn't have been welcome. She wasn't invited to this party either, but for some reason, Simon, the host, didn't throw her out. Apparently, her actions toward Jesus greatly astonished Simon and the guests. Perhaps they let her carry out her actions so that they could get more proof that Jesus wasn't the Messiah. Either way, she stayed and cried on Jesus' feet, wiped off her tears with her hair, and anointed His feet with perfume.

Jesus rewarded her actions with praise. He didn't give her a list of things to do when she left if she wanted to be His disciple. He merely recognized her faith and told her to go in peace. She had discovered what the religious leaders thought they had — but hadn't. Their service to God was like mine when I was young — obeying a list of commands. Jesus went deeper with the woman.

The philosophy of the religious elite of Jesus' day was plain. They connected to God through obeying numerous rituals and hundreds of commands. The result was failure and turmoil. By allowing the sinful woman to perform her ritual, Jesus tried to demonstrate their error. His philosophy has to do with repentance and faith. Her actions portrayed her faith, and her faith – not rote obedience to rules — saved her. She received what the religious snobs tried so hard but failed to obtain — a relationship.

What philosophy of religion are you following? If it doesn't include repentance and faith, it will fail you.

Prayer: Father, remind us that the way to You is through faith and repentance. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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