Dirty money ?

Sunday May 16, 2021

Dirty money ?

Thou shalt not bring into the house of the LORD thy God for the fulfillment of a wish the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog. For both are an abomination to the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 23:19 S21

A sinful woman who was in the city heard that he (Jesus) was at the table in the Pharisee's house. She brought a vase full of perfume and stood behind it at Jesus' feet. She was crying, and soon she wet her feet with her tears, then wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured the perfume on them. Luke 7:37, 38 S21

No, this is not about the drug money, nor the money from the many scandals that the media has been showering us with. But it is still "dirty money", the money earned by a sinner, probably a prostitute. Simon, the Pharisee, would have been willing to apply the leading verse from Deuteronomy to reject this woman with an argument from the scriptures. But Simon's own righteousness is like a dirty garment to God. So the Lord shows the same mercy in accepting both his invitation and the homage of the sinner.

In this scene, Jesus challenges us with all the details of his behavior :

He lets himself be touched by a sinful woman, which violently shocks Simon.

He responds to Simon's thoughts gently and tactfully, but also with perfect wisdom.

Through the parable of the creditor and the two debtors, he questions Simon and brings him to a fair conclusion.

Simon considered himself far superior to this woman; Jesus is deceiving him.

By noting what Simon did not do, Jesus does not bear direct condemnation.

He elevates the woman above Simon because of her attitude of repentance. Even though her sins are many, it is to her that Jesus declares : Your sins are forgiven... your faith has saved you. Depart in peace (v. 48 and 50).

The grace that Jesus manifests is above the commandments of the Law. He did not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. As long as he has fulfilled them, then he can bring mercy, forgiveness, and peace to those who have faith in him.

Does anyone have a conscience charged with a fault ? May he bring this weight to Jesus. It will then be bleached without any stain. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)