Have you ever considered what it would be like if Jesus came to visit your home? First, would you even invite him in? And if you did, would you let him sit in your favorite chair? Would you let him sit at the head of your table? And if he needed a place to sleep, would you give him your bed to sleep in? Would you minimally provide him some generous hospitality; or, would it seem an inconvenience (or maybe just a novelty) if you did invite him in?
In Luke 7:36-50 we read of a Pharisee who invited Jesus to come to his house to eat dinner, and Jesus did so. While they were eating, a woman, which was a “sinner”, also came into the house – because she knew that Jesus was in the house. (Note: It was not uncommon in the Eastern countries for someone to come into the house – though uninvited – while they were eating and engage in conversation.)
The Scriptures state that this woman did not engage in conversation – yet she began to weep, and she began to wash [wet] Jesus’ feet with her tears, and then wiped them with the hairs of her head. She then kissed his feet, and anointed them with a precious costly ointment that she had brought in an alabaster box.
Luke 7:39 states,
“Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.”
Jesus, knowing the Pharisee’s heart stated, “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.” And he saith, “Master, say on.” “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.” And he said unto him, “Thou hast rightly judged.” And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, “Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” [cf. Luke 7:40-47].
Luke 7:48-50 continues,
“And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Let us understand here that though the Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine with him, he showed no true hospitality, no true faith – for he did not open his heart unto Jesus, and he sought no forgiveness; because he did not see himself as a “sinner”. The woman, however, only sought forgiveness for her sins through faith in Jesus – whereas her hospitality was demonstrated through her great love for God’s only Son Jesus Christ. When the meal was concluded, the Pharisee was still an unrepentant “sinner”; but the woman was a forgiven “sinner”, unto whom Jesus stated, “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace”. Sadly, the Pharisee did not understand that when Jesus came to dine that evening, He came to seek all those who would repent and be saved.
Luke 19:10 states,
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Isaiah 1:18 states,
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Have you ever truly invited Jesus into your home (that is, into your heart) to dine with you?
Revelation 3:20 states,
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Will you invite Jesus in to dine with you?
