The Strong Attraction of Christ to the Outcasts

(Luke 7:36-50) NIV
Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the
Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life
in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an
alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping,
she began to wet his feet with tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them
and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this,
he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him
and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." Jesus answered him, "Simon,
I have something to tell you." "Tell me teacher," he said.
"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,
and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the
debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?' Simon replied, "I suppose the one
who had the bigger debt." "You have judged correctly," Jesus replied.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman?
I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet
with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has
not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume
on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much.
But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are
forgiven." The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even
forgives sins?" Jesus said to the woman, "Your Faith has saved you; Go in peace."

Praise be to God for the salvation that He sent to those who are desperately seeking Him!

What can we learn from this woman, Mary Magdalene? She was tired of living in her old
condition. People shunned her and she was a laughing stock among her own clan.
But out of her dull life, she was searching so desperately, and wanted new things that would fill
the void in her spirit. When she heard about Jesus, could this be what she was looking for?
She needed to investigate and find out for herself. And that's what action she took!
She stepped in. When she beheld Him, she clung to Jesus' side, begging for mercy and
forgiveness. She finally found her Lord and her faith saved her.

* What was the situation in your life when you received Christ?
* Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
* What are some of the attitudes shown by  those people who looked down on Mary?
   (v.39,43,49)
  The truth of the matter is that, in God, there is no favoritism.
   
# Holy Father, I pray that people may come to repentance and those who receive you
   may come to a full knowledge of your life changing power. That they will find a home
   church so that they can grow and learn what your plans are for them. Amen!