Scandalous
Here Jesus declares the so-called "sinful woman" forgiven. Those around him scoffed and questioned how her sins could be forgiven. How could this man, Jesus, possibly have the authority to forgive sins?
We see just a couple chapters back where Jesus forgave the sins of the crippled man. The critics' reaction was the same.
With human eyes the Pharisees look and see a sinful, shameful, embarrassing woman. Yet Jesus makes a statement that seems to contradict this outward, apparent reality. This woman is obviously a sinner.
That is exactly where the scandal lies. Jesus, God himself, declares this woman forgiven, her debt completely paid. What does that say about the heart of God? His forgiveness does not make sense, sometimes doesn't even seem right to our eyes.
To understand, we cannot keep looking with earthly eyes. If God declares someone forgiven, they are forgiven. What higher authority is there?
God's forgiveness is final. He means it when he calls the sinner "righteous." He is completely mindful of what he is doing when he declares you and me to be righteous by the sacrifice of his Son. Who are we to argue?
Created 8 months ago
