Complete English translation
Reflections from Luke 7:36–39
Simon was a Pharisee — a righteous man in the eyes of the public. He knew the law, knew the teachings of the prophets, even "spiritual" enough to invite Jesus to eat at his house.
However, what is surprising is this:
Simon invited Jesus, but did not welcome Him with love.
No welcome kiss.
There is no water to wash His feet.
There is no oil to refresh His head.
In Jewish culture at that time, it was like inviting someone into a house and then being polite on the outside, but cold on the inside.
Sometimes we are also like Simon.
We invite Jesus into our lives, but only as a guest of honor of formality, not as the Host of our hearts.
Is it possible that we diligently go to church, read the Bible, participate in the ministry...
But our hearts haven't welcomed Him with warm love for a long time?
Then came a sinful woman.
He was not invited. But he came with tears.
He doesn't talk much. But his love and repentance speak louder than all theories.
Simon judged: "If Jesus was a prophet, He would not allow Himself to be touched by such a woman."
But Jesus actually looked deeper.
Simon only sees sins in the past.
Jesus saw love and repentance today.
📌 Simon saw the disgrace.
📌 Jesus saw tears.
🪞 Today's Reflection:
Do we also judge people from their past?
Do we have expectations for Jesus that are more in suit with our desires, not His heart?
When we see sinners... do we look more like Simon — or Jesus?
🙏 Short Prayer:
Lord, forgive me if I start inviting you without welcoming you with love.
Soften my heart so that I don't be like Simon the Pharisee — who knows a lot, but is insensitive.
Teach me to see as You see: not from one's past, but from today's repentance.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
📖 Great Love is Born from a Heart that is Aware of Being Forgiven
Reflection from Luke 7:40–50
Simon doubted Jesus in his heart. But Jesus, as usual, knew the contents of the human heart.
He responded — not with anger, but with a story.
"There are two people in debt.
One owes 500 dinars, the other 50.
Both of them can't pay. Then their debt was canceled.
Who will love the debtor more?"
Simon replied: "The one who is more forgiven."
Jesus nodded.
Then looked at the woman, and gently, comparing her to Simon himself.
🔍 Everyone Is In Debt, But Not Everyone Realizes It
Both people in the parable are both unable to pay.
There is only one difference: one is aware, one is not.
One came with tears. The others sat quietly, feeling "not that bad."
Simon is indeed guilty. But because his sin seems small in the eyes of humans, he also feels that he does not need much love.
Sometimes we forget... it's not the size of sin that makes us far from God,
But a sense of self-sufficientness that makes us not feel like we need His grace.
🧡 Love Is Not A Proof Of Greatness, But A Proof Of Awareness
Jesus did not say that the woman was forgiven for loving.
Exactly the opposite:
He loves because he knows that he has been forgiven.
True love is not born from spiritual pride or religious routine,
But from the deep awareness that we should perish — but God forgives us.
👁️ Pharisees See Sin, Jesus See Faith
Simon saw the woman as unclean and disgusting.
But Jesus saw him as a believer and surrendered completely.
The world may still accuse: “You are a sinner!”
But Jesus said:
“Your faith has saved you. Go safely."
🪞 Today's Reflection:
Do I feel that only "a little" is forgiven, so that my love for God is also "a little"?
Am I more interested in judging others, than remembering how much God has forgiven me?
Is my love for God born from deep gratitude, or just a habit that has been formed?
Those who feel a little forgiven, will love a little.
But those who are aware that they have been forgiven greatly, will love without shame.
🙏 Short Prayer:
Lord, forgive me if I start to feel good enough in front of You.
Soften my heart to always realize that without Your forgiveness, I cannot stand.
Let my love for You not be born of duty, but of admiration for Your great love.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
📖 Seeing with God's Eyes
Reflection from Luke 7:50
“Your faith has saved you. Go safely." (Luke 7:50)
The sinful woman was not expelled. He is also not humiliated.
Jesus did not demand an explanation from him, did not scratch his past.
Instead, Jesus lifted him up, justified him, and sent him home in peace.
Simon is still sitting. Still polite. Still righteous.
But it doesn't change.
🔄 Contrast That Sticks
Even today, many churches are like Simon.
They felt like the last ark. The most correct place.
"We are true Bible students.
Out there is unclean, perverted, and deserves to be abandoned."
But if Jesus is physically present today,
Will He sit in the front row of the church, nodding to the true teaching?
Or...
Will we find Him in a smoky cafe, sitting quietly with a woman who has just been destroyed by sin,
Or holding the hand of a man who is addicted to drugs — not to agree, but to call with love to repent and return?
🧠 Holiness Without Love is Arrogance
The Pharisees strongly uphold holiness.
But they forget: The Holy One is full of love.
Holiness without mercy is not holiness.
It's just a religiously wrapped spiritual arrogance.
🪞 Final Reflection: Who Do We Look At?
Do I see like God sees?
Or still like Simon — judging who deserves to be approached, who deserves to be taught, who can be reprimanded?
Do I go to church to learn more,
Or to love more deeply?
🔚 Devotional Conclusion
The Pharisees did not fail because of lack of action.
They failed because their hearts lacked love.
God doesn't look for people who know the most.
He is looking for the person who is most aware that without forgiveness, we all perish.
Those who know a lot are not necessarily close.
But the one who cries a lot — that's the one who is close to His feet.
📣 Last Invitation: Change Your Perspective
Do you come to church just to increase your knowledge and enrich your doctrine?
Or do you realize that God is calling you to be the light of the world —
Not just to sit and study,
But to go... and share that light to the churches that are still struggling to understand His truth.
God doesn't call you just to know more.
He calls you to love more deeply and bring His light wider.