Only Faith Can Save You

“Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’” (Luke 7:50)

                From the beginning of His ministry, the religious establishment was critical of Jesus.  The Pharisees were one of the main culprits.  Today’s verse records an occasion when one of the Pharisees (Simon) wanted to get a closer look at Jesus, so he invited him over for a meal.  As they were reclining at the table, “a woman in the city who was a sinner” (Luke 7:37) came and knelt down behind Jesus.  That must’ve been shocking to Simon because women typically never approached men in ancient culture.

                Not only did she kneel behind Jesus, but the Bible says she touched Him.  Specifically, her tears began to fall on the feet of Jesus, so she wiped His feet dry with her own hair.  Not only that, Luke tells us that she even kissed His feet and anointed them with some fragrant oil.  Keep in mind that feet were typically the dirtiest part of the body because the ancients used to travel barefoot or with only sandals on their feet.  And who would think of taking costly oil and placing it on someone’s feet?

                The woman took a great risk touching Jesus, but she felt her worship was worth the risk.  When the encounter was almost over, Jesus turned to the sinful woman and said, “Your faith has saved you.  Go in peace.”  It wasn’t her humility or her costly oil that saved her – it was her faith in Jesus.  2000 years later, one thing hasn’t changed – it’s only through faith in Jesus that you can be saved.  All the money in the world can’t buy your salvation.  Make certain you’ve placed your faith in Jesus.