​Extravagance and Generosity - Pastor David Tsai

Luke 7:36-50
The passage in Luke 7 is a story of extravagance and generosity. The ointment was expensive, and so was the alabaster jar. The woman whom nobody wanted near the table or the feast was extravagant in love. Somehow Jesus' forgiving love had got through to her, and she responded as best she knew: giving something very costly. It was her way of giving generously. Jesus saw beyond the sin and behind the oil to the love she had for Him. That love would conquer all in the end. Her act of love was a response to Jesus' compassion and forgiveness.
The jar of ointment was expensive, highlighting the generosity of the unnamed woman who was a sinner. Somehow Jesus' compassion and forgiveness hit her so deeply that she poured out love for Him as a response to her relationship with Him. In prayer, we can sometimes think of God's care, protection, and forgiveness in our life, and be grateful, with words or in silence.
On the other hand, the courtesy and polish of the Pharisee, Simon, kept up appearances. The polite invitation masked a dismissive judgment and left unchallenged the unwelcomed woman. Jesus saw through the veneer, "Simon, I have something to say to you.” In the presence of Jesus, I can trust Him to say what He needs to say to me, knowing that He will speak with love and accompany me in finding life.
Jesus recognizes what is present in both Simon and the woman. He sees the movement of grace in the “bad woman” and the stiff resistance of the “good man.” Before Jesus, I pray that I may notice where God is already at work in my life and have the grace to yield to what God wants to do next.
Luke shows us two responses to Jesus based on two attitudes about sin and grace. Why did the woman act the way she did? She grasped the gravity and the multitude of her sins. She understood her sinful condition. That is why she must find Jesus. That is why she responds the way she did. Why did Simon act his way? He did not see his need for Jesus. He did not see himself as a great debtor. So, Simon did little for Jesus.
Do you love Jesus much? Or do you love Jesus little? Your actions reveal the answer to this question.