by JT Stevens

Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven for she loved much. And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:47:50

In this setting, we have a woman of great sin, uninvited to a home where Jesus was invited to dine. Weeping and lamenting, she began to wash Christ’s Pharisee’s feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. With her alabaster box she anointed His head with oil. Let’s also take note in verse 2 of Luke 7 the Centurion soldier, who also expressed love and compassionate concern for his dying servant. This commander in the Roman army felt unworthy for Christ to visit his home much less to ask Him for healing, so he sent others on his behalf to do. This type of faith marvelled Christ, thus his servant was healed immediately.

Loving much is recognizing who Christ is while considering our depravity and sinful nature. Both Mary and the Centurion soldier thought that being before Christ wasn’t a place for their kind. Neither one ever spoke to the Master; yet their words were heard. Within faith there must be a recognition of sin, that cost of praise which invariably opens the channels of love and adoration. We know this true, because “Faith” substituted Himself on a cross that was prepared for the wretch undone like you and me. And we also know, that it wasn’t the nails that held Him to that cross, but it was love. He loved us much.