One day, Jesus was eating at the home of a Pharisee when a prostitute came in. ‘The woman kissed his feet and poured…perfume on them. The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and said to himself, “If [Jesus] really were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him!”’ (v.38-39 CEV). But Simon the Pharisee got it wrong. It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t know, it’s that He could see beyond her sin. That day, He forgave her and sent her on her way redeemed, restored, and redirected. This story confirms what we already know; Jesus came to save sinners. No one is beyond the reach of His grace. Let’s keep in mind these two things: 1) Never forget what God saved you from. Jesus told Simon the Pharisee: ‘Anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love’ (v.47 CEV). David remembered his past sins when he wrote: ‘He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord’ (Psalm 40:2-3 NKJV). 2) Remember that Jesus isn’t looking at your past but at your future. The crowd saw this woman as an ugly weed to be cast aside, but Jesus saw her as a beautiful flower with so much potential. So if you need forgiveness today, come to Jesus. And if you have been forgiven, pour out your heart to Him in praise.

What Now?

Plant a few seeds in a pot and care for them. As they grow, think about the potential each seed carries and the change it goes through to become a beautiful flower. Thank God for His grace in seeing all the beautiful potential in you, too.