Thursday September 17, 2026

Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town.

Does it add up to you? Hmmm she had a bad name and she just wondered into the same room Jesus was in. Does Jesus have a security detail to keep such people away. He certainly does these days. Some people are forbidden to receive communion these days by the guards. It seems in the scriptures that anyone and everyone has access to the Lord.

Maybe they planted her there to see what he would do. But if he was not from there then how would he know she had a bad name? Or maybe she was a terrible specimen of a human being. But standing there before one who understands everything he probably asked the questions that Fr Chibundi was taught to ask. Is what the say about you kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? And do they have the full story?

These questions have brought me many times to a place of compassion.

She was there, maybe embarrassed but asking him to accept her in her brokenness. She poured oil on his feet and with her hair she wiped it. Jesus saw her whole story. Please never let the opinions of others stop you from bringing your whole life story to the Lord. He not only waits for you, he comes to you seeking to find you and your broken pieces.