February 13 - Hospitality (Luke 7:36-50)

In Chapter 7 of the Gospel of Luke, we read that Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to his home for dinner but did not suitably prepare, as a hospitable host would customarily do in that time, for our Lord. Simon did nothing to demonstrate to Jesus that He was an anticipated guest. As Jesus and Simon sat to eat, a woman of the street entered Simon's home and kneeled before Jesus. Weeping, her tears fell on the feet of Christ. She wiped the tears away with her hair and anointed His feet with expensive perfume. Devotion and love for Jesus poured from her very being. The Lord Jesus forgave her sins and sent her away in peace. The woman experienced the blessing of God's saving grace. She gave Him her best. Do we? In contrast, the Pharisee communicated to Christ that he, as a host, did not treat his guest as he should, particularly considering the stature of the guest sitting and dining with him-the Savior of mankind. By pointing out the actions of love demonstrated by the woman, Jesus graciously but forthrightly pointed out to Simon his disregard for the courtesies normally shown to a guest.

In the time of the Old Testament, people acknowledged and understood-much better than Simon--how to honor the Lord. Their best was given in preparing for respectful, acceptable worship of God. Scripture explains very clearly that the Lord required only the best from the people. All things had to be in order and in the right place when God was worshipped. The priests were then to cleanse themselves and dress themselves in their special priestly garments before going before the Lord and serving in His House. There He was praised and honored. None could casually enter into the presence of the Lord.

- Martha Morris