In this story Jesus interacts with two sinners: the smug Pharisee who lacks basic hospitality, and a sorrowful intruder who lavishes him with expensive perfume and penitent tears. One points an accusing finger; the other crumbles to her knees in humility.

The reality is that both sinners—in fact, all sinners—must start at the feet of Jesus, where unworthiness is transformed into complete forgiveness and restoration. Righteousness is not earned but granted by grace alone.

Our church has picnic tables on the patio, where members often gather to drink coffee after a worship service and—sometimes just hours later—local teens gather to drink alcohol or use drugs. My mission as a pastor is to extend Christ’s love to both groups, with the hope and prayer that they might one day sit together at these tables and share their testimonies of God’s amazing grace.

Some Christians can have whitewashed memories of the seriousness of their own sin, while seekers just meeting Jesus may feel not good enough. Jesus invites us all to meet at his feet, where our tears and his love flow freely. From that level, we can help one another up to walk together as fellow followers. No one is better than another, and we all must know of our need for the Savior and want to grow in faith.

(BMB)