Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." He said, "Teacher, say on." A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?" Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most." He said to him, "You have judged correctly." Luke 7:40-43 WEB.

One day, Jesus was invited to dine at the home of Simon the Pharisee. As was customary for the time, they reclined around the table on low couches. Jesus lay on His stomach with His head near the table and His feet pointing away from it.

A former prostitute crept into the house and stood over Jesus' feet as they ate. She was drawn to Him. As she stood there, she came under conviction and began to weep. Her tears rained down on the feet of Jesus. She was embarrassed, so she let down her hair, which women never did in public, and wiped her tears from His feet with her hair. After this, she kissed His feet and anointed them with very expensive perfume, which women cherished.

Simon the Pharisee became disgusted at this. He was offended over this woman being in his house, and she certainly wasn't welcome at his table. Simon thought to himself that if Jesus was really a prophet, He would have known who this woman was touching Him and pushed her away. Yet, Jesus knew precisely who it was.

Jesus then told a parable about two men who were in debt: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. A denarius was a day's wage at the time for common labor like fruit picking. So, one of them owed about a year and a half in wages. When the men couldn't repay their debt, the lender forgave them both and cleared their slate.

Jesus then asked Simon the Pharisee who would love the moneylender more. Simon answered that it was the one who owed more, and Jesus told him that he had judged rightly. In the story, the moneylender forgives them, and then the people love him.

Simon felt that he was holy and had no sin because Pharisees kept a long list of religious rules and traditions. While the woman knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was a sinner and regretted it. Simon saw the woman for who she used to be, but Jesus saw the woman who was standing there now.

Simon couldn't see beyond her past, while Jesus forgave her of her past. The Pharisees were exclusive, while Jesus was inclusive. How could the religious leaders of the day see things so differently from God when looking at the same person? And could we still do that?

It doesn't matter who you used to be, for you can be forgiven today. When you come into the Lord's presence, you will only find forgiveness, acceptance, and love. Many highly religious people and satan have a lot in common. They will keep looking at your past and try to make you feel like trash so they can feel more righteous about their own mistakes.

Jesus sees who you are now. So lift up your head and know that God loves you no matter what you have done in the past. You are always welcome at His table.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please let me see those around me through Your eyes. Help me see the good in people and love them as You love them. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.