Today's focus: vs 49
Author: Pastor Kris Castro
Unforgiveness is a real burden to many. I have seen unforgiveness in my own heart towards those who are very close to me. I have seen it firsthand with my loved ones, not just a seasonal fight of unforgiveness, but unforgiveness that carries over years and near decades. Relationships get severed, anger, despair, and sharp damning words thrown at each other. Unforgiveness is a real, heavy, prolonging, festering, and sinful condition of a person’s heart.
I would also like to take some time to say that some have been sinned against in the most real, damaging, abusive, and condemning ways—those who are victims of domestic abuse, child abuse, etc. Asking them to forgive those who have wronged them in a real way; is complex multi-layered, and it could take years and even decades to begin the first steps towards forgiveness. With these realities, we desperately need divine intervention; we need a savior.
The awaited Messiah, Christ Jesus, is here! Luke chapter 7 shows the glorious supernatural work and ministry of Jesus.
In verses 1-10, Jesus heals the slave of a gentile roman commander. To which the centurion’s humility and faith moved Jesus.
“9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
In verses 11-17, Jesus raises the dead son of a widow. This section presents a crescendo in the narrative. Luke is highlighting one glorious miracle to a more glorious miracle with the resurrection of the dead. The people in Israel were amazed.
“16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.”
Furthermore, Jesus tells John the Baptist’s followers to send a message to their leader John, in verses 22-23. It is important to note that all these miracles in a collection, including the preaching of the good news, are presented to be of equal power as resurrecting the dead.
“22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
The reader is left to wonder, what’s next? What is greater than raising the dead in Jesus’ works and miracles? What work could convince the world that He is greater than a healer, more powerful than a prophet, what could display that Jesus is God with us?
The climax of Jesus’ work and miracles to display the reality that He is 100% man and that He is 100% God, in Luke chapter 7, is that Jesus alone has the power to forgive sins. The author Luke tells us the story of the Sinful Woman and the Messiah who forgives her in verses 36-50.
“39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”…
…”44 Then, turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
This woman has lived a life of sinfulness, and society publicly treated her and labeled her as such. Unforgiveness was the reality of her day-to-day. The weight of guilt, remorse, the public shame, sincere brokenness of her soul for years she had to live with that reality. Where can she turn to for repentance, the hope of salvation, the newness of life received from God’s forgiveness?
She worshiped Jesus.
Christmas time is a sweet time with family for many; for some, Christmas time is a very trying time. Dealing with family dynamics, unforgiveness, loneliness, and even years of strained family relationships are real issues we face. Would you join me in worshiping King Jesus this Christmas by taking fundamental steps to forgive family members, loved ones, and those who used to be our friends who have wronged us?
Beloved, I may be asking some of you the most challenging thing you have to do, namely dealing with unforgiveness in our hearts. The Holy Spirit's supernatural work indwells the believer that softens the hardest hearts and gives the courage to do what God calls us to do. May our King Jesus be merciful in our acts of mercy.
“13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:13
I am praying that you receive this with my most loving intentions.
Under His Lordship,
Kris
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