How Jesus Dealt With People

Imagine yourself living back at that time and being in Jesus' place. How would you have reacted? Would you have felt uneasy as this woman approached you? (Luke 7:45) Would you have been appalled, horrified?

If you had been among the other guests, might your thinking have been at least somewhat like that of Simon and the Pharisee? "At the sight the Pharisee that invited [Jesus] said within himself: 'This man, if he were a prophet, would know how and what kind of woman it is that is touching him, that she is a sinner.' " (Luke 7:39) In contrast, Jesus was a man of deep compassion. He understood the woman's plight and sensed her anguish. We are not told how she fell into a life of sin, if she indeed was a prostitute, the men of the town, dedicated Jews, apparently had not helped her.

But Jesus wanted to help her. he said to her: " Your sins are forgiven." Then he added: " Your faith has saved you; go your way in peace." (Luke 7:48-50) Here the account ends. Someone may object that Jesus did not do much for her. Basically, he sent her away with his blessing. Do you think that she probably returned to her sad way o f life? While we cannot say for sure, take note of what Luke next says. He related that Jesus journeyed "from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom." Luke also reported that "certain women' were with Jesus and his disciples, "ministering to them from [the women's ] belongings." The possibility cannot be ruled out that this repentant and appreciative woman was now among them, embarking upon a godly way of life with a clean conscience, a renewed sense of purpose, and a much deeper love for God. -Luke 8:1-3.

Next time: Difference Between Jesus And The Pharisees