Then he 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.”

Matthew 8, 11-12 Luke 7-8, 11 and Mark 3

Then he 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

Day 298 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - focusing again on the early efforts of Jesus' ministry. My commentary notes: [n]o doubt by this time the religious leaders are also becoming increasingly aware of Jesus’ extraordinary power. Instead of accepting it as divine, they accuse Jesus of having power from Satan. What follows is a scathing rebuke of the Pharisees for their disbelief and hypocrisy, and an urgent call for repentance." Many of Jesus' miracles are captured in this morning's scripture, including the healing of the centurion's servant, and other healings. Many are supporting Jesus at this point, personally sacrificing to do so, and in so doing, demonstrating deep love of, and faith in, Jesus: note Jesus' anointing by the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50). Once again, while there is much worthy of pause and reflection this morning, it is this passage where I stop and dig in - as John Piper provides insight.  Piper indicates that our love of Jesus is the result or evidence of the extent to which we acknowledge the gravity of our forgiven sins.  This is why humility is key. We all sin (see Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) but it is our acknowledgement of the gravity of our sin that drives us to Jesus as He is only One to save.  See more on humility from John Piper.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have forgiven many sins for me already and many grave sins - yet You died on the cross for me.  I am grateful - the greatest gift of all time - but of course undeserving.  My sin continues...daily...including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.