MAKING OTHERS A PRIORITY
Luke 7:36–48
If you have ever chosen to fly to reach your destination, you know that airports, planes and flights are an adventure in themselves. Carry-on baggage must be weighed, and security measures include body scans, removal of your shoes and emptying the contents of your laptop bag. All of this comes with the territory when flying the friendly skies.
If you are willing to pay several extra dollars, you can access upgrades and conveniences. In many cases, this is called “priority seating.” This seating allows you to board and exit the plane first, perhaps with a little extra legroom or a wider seat.
While all these perks are enjoyable, it should be noted that everyone on the airplane arrives at the destination at the same time.
When it comes to a relationship with Christ, no one has priority over another. There are no VIPs as it relates to salvation. However, we do see times when humility and self-awareness touched the heart of Jesus and caught His attention. The way to Jesus is not to impress but rather to express our genuine need.
Reach out to the religious and arrogant. (36–39)
One of the most persistent and besetting sins of all believers is pride. In reality, pride is the root of any sin we commit.
Arrogance is a result of pride and knocks on the door of every Christian at some time or another. The thought that “I am better than someone” is a lie from Satan and reveals a dark, conceited heart.
The religious leaders in the days of Jesus could not grasp that He chose to associate with sinners. It seems this woman had a bad reputation and perhaps was promiscuous.
Consider this: If Jesus never chose to eat with sinners, He would have always eaten alone! Every single one of us is a sinner. The religious were as guilty of sin as the woman in this story.
Point to God’s gracious forgiveness. (40–43)
Jesus illustrated to Simon (not Peter) what it means to be gracious. He reminded Simon that some have more to forgive than others. Please note that the woman in this story is not the hero or focus of this passage — Jesus is.
It is Jesus who can offer pardon for our transgressions and grant the acceptance we need, leading to eternal life. Do not be so quick to judge that you believe your judgment is the final authority in someone else’s life. God is love, and His judgments are based on His holiness and mercy.
Reach out to the sinful. (44–48)
Jesus loves the people you choose not to. It is not because He is out to make a point. He does so to demonstrate His love and redemptive plan for the world.
You will not serve others in your community like Christ would if you think you are better than they are. Only when we realize that, like the sinful woman, we need to spend time humbly at the feet of Jesus can we truly serve. A broken congregation can reach a broken world.
The closer you follow Jesus, the more you will realize two things: your great need for Him and His great grace available to you. If you find yourself thinking too highly of yourself, take a moment to kneel at the feet of Jesus.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
