Jesus encourages

Jesus goes to a Pharisees’ house and eats with him and a woman who has lead a pretty loose life with a lot of men comes in. She has probably heard of Jesus’ kindness towards people who are less than perfect. She is drawn to Jesus, drawn to His forgiveness and His goodness. The Pharisee has sheer condemnation for this woman. Additionally, the Pharisee has issues with Jesus! He doesn’t give Jesus a nice greeting or any water to wash his hands or feet from the dusty roads or any welcoming kindness. Amazingly the woman, seeing the Pharisees’ treatment of Jesus, washes His feet with her tears and her hair as she adores Him. The Pharisee is totally judgmental towards her. He thinks she’s dirt. But Jesus turns around and says “she’s been forgiven much and therefore loves much.” Jesus says to the Pharisee “you have been forgiven little and therefore love little.” Jesus then warmly engages the woman and encourages her, “I forgive your sins.” And He also says, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace!” He’s pretty amazing!

Jesus is the image of God! (Col 1:15) Jesus’ encouragement to the broken woman reveals God’s encouragement to the woman!