day 11: Simon, the pharisee

Day 11: Simon, the Pharisee

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:36-50

Simon invited Jesus into his home, but not fully into his heart. He extended social courtesy, but not surrendered devotion. He was close to Jesus physically, yet far from Him spiritually. It is possible to host Jesus in our religious structures while quietly judging those who come weeping at His feet. As pastors, church leaders, and believers, we may recognize ourselves in Simon’s posture. We value order. We appreciate propriety. We guard doctrinal boundaries. Yet the danger is subtle: we begin to measure grace. We compare sins. We assume our debt was small. But Jesus’ parable reminds us both debtors were unable to pay. Whether the debt was great or small in human eyes, both required mercy.

The woman’s tears were not emotional excess; She knew she was forgiven. She loved much because she knew she had been forgiven much. Simon’s restraint revealed something deeper not moral superiority, but diminished awareness of grace. The church must never become Simon’s dining room; controlled and spiritually cool. It must remain the place where sinners weep, are forgiven, and rise in peace. Jesus ends with tender authority: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” The woman leaves justified; Simon is left with a mirror. May we never lose the wonder of our own forgiveness. May our love remain warm because our memory of grace remains fresh. And may our RockSpring Church be places where tears at Jesus’ feet are always welcome.

Pray:

Heavenly Father, continue to reveal the nature of your Son and the scope of his love to me. I offer my heart and life as one great act of love to you.

Peace be with you today,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church