Posted on 02/11/2007 11:35:51 AM PST by AlbionGirl
It's risky, it really is, to invite Jesus in as Simon discovered. He had heard about Jesus. Everybody has heard something about Jesus. But that something might be just about enough - enough to have sorted him out, got his number, put him in his place, nice Jesus. More might be risky. He is so difficult to keep under control.
Simon was going to have a closer look at Jesus. He might find him useful. Luke tells of Jesus as one whom you cannot fool. He knows what's coming at him, but that doesn't stop him. He accepts Simon's invitation. Simon doesn't realize what he is in for. He expects to measure Jesus up and decide what's the use of him. What happens is that Simon is the one who gets judged, and that with Jesus you can't play measurements. Simon was the host. He would call the shots according to his rules. Jesus would be at the receiving end of the way Simon played it.
What spoils his game, what shouldn't have happened is this woman off the street with a very poor reputation. She would never be invited to Simon's table, but there she is, drawn in by Jesus. She came at Jesus from behind. She wanted him to be for her. She didn't have any chips to lay down to play any games with. She was just there, all of her. She had been played games with, games in which she hadn't been cared about, but games that were only for having the use of her. That can be done for sex, for selling, or in all the ways people would manipulate you to their use or program.
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.higherthings.org ...
The woman had heard something of Jesus. She hoped he might not be like that. She did not attempt to work him. She was simply there. Nothing held back to negotiate with. On his feet her tears, a sadly worn and damaged woman. Jesus knew what with her was coming to him. Simon came at him to sit in judgment on him. This woman was judged enough already. Would Jesus be different?Today's Gospel says Yes Jesus is different. Jesus is something else. There's what's in Jesus that's nowhere else. He doesn't play the games by which the rest of the world tries to get along. Jesus is the opposite of all that. Yet just to say what Jesus is the opposite of is to submit him to that standard. He doesn't suffer himself to be measured by any of the measurement we may try out on him.
Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." No one had ever loved her like that before.
So what's with Jesus forgiving sins. "Who is this, who even forgives sins? Only the Lord God himself can do that. Jesus doesn't stop to argue with them about that. He is there for this woman - all of him. He is such a Jesus as he gives to her. "That's my Jesus," says faith.
Thank you for posting this. Dr. Nagel is one of the professors who has influenced my theology the most. I've had him for many classes, both at M.Div. and S.T.M. levels.
I would have pinged you, but I didn't want to take any liberties. I'm trying to find a good Church in my area because I really want to become involved in the life of a good Church and I deeply believe that at long last, I'm ready for it. Pray the Good Lord directs me well, and God bless.
By the way, if nothing else, Pastor, you've got to admit, I've got good taste in theologians.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.