Caught Up Short Scripture Reading – Luke 7:47 - 49 (NLT)

"I tell you, her sins - and they are many - have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love. Then Jesus said to the woman, 'Your sins are forgiven.' The men at the table said among themselves, 'Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?" 

Simon the Pharisee who was silently thinking bad thoughts both about the woman in his home kissing the feet of Jesus, and the Lord himself could feel his face getting hot with what he believed was righteous indignation at this unholy display taking place right at his dinner table.

But his face became even hotter and much more red I believe, though with embarrassment after Jesus pointed out that Simeon, and his friends were found to be, 'Caught Up Short', when it came to knowing, showing and growing in the love of God.

Whereas the woman refreshed Jesus, gave Him the type of greeting and reverence that He alone deserves, and anointed Him with oil. Simeon and his friends were too caught up in their examination of external affairs, and at the very cost of their own hearts and souls.

And when Christ Jesus Who alone is able to pronounce that a person is forgiven of their sins - that entire company of Simeon's religious elite displayed their lack of experiencing the acceptance and understanding of God's love and kindness.

When it comes to both loving God and loving people, may you and I, those who have been forgiven much, by the precious blood of Jesus Christ on the cross - be among those who shout it from the roof-tops and into the streets that our Lord Jesus Christ has come both to seek out and then to save the lost! 

Prayer Father forgive me today I pray in Jesus name for any time that I have looked down upon anyone and thought of myself as more holy than they. It is only by Your mercy and grace that I have been saved. Use me to be a living and loving light of the love of Jesus in this dark world today I pray. 

Memory Verse:  Philippians 2:13 “For ____ is ________ in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”