May 3, 2023

Luke 7: 36-50 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him . . . a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was . . . at the Pharisee’s house, . . . and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. . . Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (NIV)

When we give out the very things we so desperately need, we often find that what has been given away comes back to us a hundredfold.*

Jesus’ host was not very happy that Jesus was allowing this woman to create a scene. I find it amusing that though the Pharisee’s self-righteous, judgmental remarks were made to himself, Jesus answered him out loud. The Lord proceeds to deliver a lesson on choices and forgiveness, but we overlook the subtext in this passage: By his actions towards the woman, Jesus demonstrated that we can be generous by allowing others to give to us.* The woman at this dinner party wanted to do something for Jesus – and he allowed her to do it. She wanted to bless him but she went away blessed. 

Have you ever wanted to help someone but didn’t know what to do? How often have you said, “If there’s anything I can do, just let me know,” but no one ever let you know? It is hard to be the one who has to ask for help but there is grace in receiving as well as giving. 

When my friend was facing weeks of daily radiation treatments, she asked me to recruit and schedule volunteers to provide transportation for her. I was honored that she asked, and thrilled to be able to actually perform a useful service. She could have sat back and hoped that someone would see her need and fill it but she chose to be gracious in receiving.

Next time you need help, don’t expect your friends to be mind-readers. Be a blessing to them by allowing them to bless you!

If I had it to do all over again, I think I would have asked for help!*