Contrast

Pharisee went into the Temple to pray Sure of his goodness and love for God He prayed confidently about his deeds Fasting, tithing, praying, He did faithfully This man was glad when the sinner came Into the Temple with eyes downcast. For it gave a perfect contrast to himself. So he thanked God he wasn't like this sinner. Sinner was bowed so very low before God. "God have mercy on me a sinner." he whispered. No list of good uttered, as he could see none. Jesus said Sinner not Pharisee was justified. Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus over to eat. Simon didn't have servants wash Jesus feet He didn't kiss Jesus or draw near for fear, Fear of what others Pharisees would think. In came a sinful woman with unkempt hair. She wept at Jesus feet without looking up. Carefully she wiped these feet with her hair. Simon was now sure Jesus was no prophet A prophet could surely tell she was a sinner. How could he let her touch him that way? Reading Simon's thoughts Jesus taught. Using this contrast in real life as a lesson. He asked Simon if there were two debts One greater, one lesser and both forgiven. Who would feel greater love and gratitude? Simon replied, "The one whose debt was greater" "Correct" said the One who would pay all debts. Those who know their debt to God is great. Are filled with greater love toward the Savior. Simon showed he had little need for the Christ. But to the woman. Jesus said, "You sins are forgiven." "Go and sin no more." She stood free and esteemed Precious are those who come humbly to the Lord He will forgive and welcome them to His Family forever. Humility. Pride. Contrast. Mixed in all of us. People who come to God feeling worthless, Christ lifts up. People striding in proudly, Jesus humbles to allow entry. For the Lord's Kingdom's door is incredibly low. So low that we enter only through true confession From the heart to Jesus as Savior who humbled Himself Coming down from glory to earth's mess to make a Way. By humbling Himself on a Cross – Universe's God tortured. Jesus contrast makes ours seem small – so why wait? May we take the humble road to Life, risen Christ made. Joining God's family of forgiven, freed, joyful sinners. New life's contrast with old will grow as we follow Him. By a thankful sinner now saint by Jesus' grace