As Jesus is reclining to eat at Simon’s house, a woman with a very sinful reputation approaches Him from behind. She starts to wash His feet with her tears, and she dries them with her hair. This woman was changed by Jesus. She was expressing her surrender to His love and sovereignty. She went all out in a very intimate and vulnerable way to show her love for Jesus because she believed Jesus was greater than her sin, her reputation, her past, and herself.
In response to her show of affection, Jesus gives this woman one command: “Go in peace.” Luke 7:50 says:
“And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 ESV)
He does not give her a long list of how to do better next time. No rules and regulations on how to remain forgiven or pure. He tells her to go in peace. She has peace with God because her sins are forgiven.
I want to encourage you today that no matter your past, God has a peaceful future for you. Your past cannot hold you back when you’ve been set free in Christ. Like this woman, go in peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy. I pray for the courage to move forward in all You have for me with Your great peace. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.