The Great Exchange: From Sin to Salvation
“Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why
she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.
Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.'”
Luke 7:47-48
Pointing Fingers or Open Arms
She wasn’t invited to the dinner party, yet she confidently entered the room. She knew the host and his guests would not approve of her intrusion, but the guest of honor would. The other guests’ arrogance was displayed with turned-up noses and snickering voices. The contrast between their pointing fingers and His open arms was palpable.
Despite their years of obtaining knowledge, they lacked wisdom. They thought their vision was clear, yet they were spiritually blind. They knew the ancient “words” but didn’t recognize the “Word Made Flesh.” Nor did they have any idea what His life, death and resurrection would mean to the entire world.
But this woman, whose life was marred with sin, knew exactly who Jesus was and what would be exchanged at that horrible, beautiful cross. Despite the self-righteous declarations and deeds of the religious elite, she was the only person in the room of whom Jesus declared “your sins are forgiven” and “your faith has saved you.” The Pharisees clung to the law, this woman clung to the Savior.
The Alabaster Offering
“She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.” Luke 7:38(b)
I’m always amazed at the scene that took place in Luke 7:36-50. The Pharisees were casually reclining, skeptical of Jesus and refusing to honor Him. The unnamed woman poured an incredibly expensive bottle of perfume on Him and wiped the same feet the host failed to wash with her incessant tears. The smell of the perfume would have filled the air, but only Jesus understood the fragrant offering for what it was. The contents in her alabaster jar signified what she was truly pouring out to Him. She was offering her whole life to Jesus, surrendered at His feet – withholding nothing back.
She knew the only safe place in that room was at the feet of Jesus. If she dared to look into His eyes, I’ve no doubt His gaze would have been filled with compassion because that virtue is ever-present in our Savior. Her wisdom was displayed without uttering a single word. At the feet of her Redeemer a great exchange took place.
His grace superseded her guilt.
Her filthy rags were exchanged for heaven’s riches.
Her scarlet sin was traded for a robe as white as snow.
Her guilty verdict was replaced by endless mercy.
Her deepest sorrows were exchanged for complete joy.
Her slavery was exchanged for freedom.
Her shameful face became a radiant one.
Radiant With Joy
“Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:5
Despite her weeping, I imagine her face to have been radiant – radiant with the joy that comes only from knowing, loving, and spending time with Jesus Christ. Radiant with joy because it illuminated the reflection of the light of Christ. And radiant with joy because her gaze was fixed on Jesus. Her face was never impaired by shame again.
The Pharisees wanted this woman chained to her sin forever. Jesus offered her freedom from that slavery. She recognized her depravity and surrendered her life to the only One who could cleanse her from the scarlet sin that tainted her. He was her only hope. Her eyes were fixed on Him. Her ears tuned out the mocking, accusatory voices, and trusted in the Words of Jesus Christ. His opinion was the only one that mattered.
Forgiveness Received and Love Extended
As Resurrection Sunday approaches, the message in our sanctuaries will be centered on that horrible/beautiful cross. The testimony of what Jesus accomplished on that cross will be proclaimed throughout the world. Our churches will be full of many “unnamed” people. On that day we have a choice to make when they courageously enter our sanctuaries, shouldering bad reputations and the weight of their sin.
As Christ’s ambassadors, let’s choose to behave like Him. Let’s learn the lessons these religious guests missed. They chose to point their pharisaical fingers at the sinner and despise Jesus Christ’s invitation for all to come to Him. Yet, He offered everyone the gift to replace the burdens of sin and shame we’ve carried with the cross He carried.
Let’s not only welcome their humble, weeping hearts, let’s join them on our knees at the foot of the cross, vowing to never forget the price He paid for this great exchange to occur. And may we offer our lives to be an outpouring of His love, grace and mercy extended to all. Let’s be who He asked us to be- conduits of His love not vessels of judgment. To God be the glory.
In Your Life
Can you identify with the woman who was “uninvited to the party” but welcomed by Christ? Do you continually find yourself remembering that you have been forgiven much? Is your response to that forgiveness to love Him and others much?
We Recommend
New Morning Mercies – A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp. This is a great book to start every morning with a humble posture before the Lord- recognizing our daily need for His mercy.
Another wonderful way to set our hearts on loving Jesus by worshipping Him in spirit and truth is to listen to these daily devotionals by The Worship Initiative. http://devo.theworshipinitiative.com
Let’s Connect
Brenda is the Director of Women’s Ministry at her church in Casper, Wyoming. She has a passion for helping women navigate the seasons of life that are both bitter and sweet by knowing the truth found in God’s Word and clinging to Jesus Christ. If you’d like to read more from Brenda, you can find her at Women of the Way, on Instagram, or on Facebook.