Sunday Musings | Do You See This Woman?

The heading in my Bible for the scriptures in Luke 7:36-50 reads A Sinful Woman Forgiven. However, in her Lifeway Bible Study (20/20 Seen. Chosen. Sent), Christine Caine calls this the story about The Blind Pharisee and points out that Simon (the Pharisee) was looking at the woman for what she was rather than who she was.

Verse 44 begins: Then He [Jesus] turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman?" Notice that Jesus turned toward the woman ... and away from Simon ... while he spoke to Simon; what a powerful visual! He was validating the woman as someone important by looking at her when the others present that day were judging her.

Jesus saw this woman's love and faith as she washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. He was moved with compassion for this woman and sent her away in peace while reminding Simon (and us) that those who have been forgiven much, love much, while those to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.

This lesson has me asking myself: Am I looking at others but not seeing them with eyes of compassion? Do I only see what people are rather than who they are?

What about you? Do you see others with eyes of compassion?