Faith Not Works

"Jesus said to her, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'"
Luke 7:50 (NIV)

Have you ever felt too dirty, too broken, too far gone for God's grace?

Picture this scene: A prostitute slips into a dinner party where Jesus dines with religious leaders. She's uninvited, unwelcome, and utterly desperate. Her reputation precedes her—everyone knows exactly what she is. Yet something about Jesus draws her in.

She approaches with an expensive alabaster jar. Tears stream down her face as she washes Jesus' feet with her hair. The Pharisees scoff. How dare this sinner touch their teacher?

But Jesus sees her heart. While the religious leaders focus on her past, Jesus sees her faith. She believes that if she comes to Him as a repentant sinner, He won't turn her away. That's exactly the kind of confidence Jesus rewards.

Notice what saves her: not the expensive perfume, not the dramatic worship, not even her tears. "Your faith has saved you," Jesus declares. Faith alone.

You might think your past disqualifies you from God's grace. But Jesus came to seek and save sinners—people exactly like you and me. The woman's works didn't earn forgiveness; her faith received it.

You can stop trying to clean yourself up for God. Come as you are, trusting He'll receive you.

Prayer: God, thank You for receiving sinners like me. I marvel at the wonder of Your grace, Lord. I know if You can accept anyone, you can embrace me. So help me rest in your forgiveness, trusting Your grace through faith, not my own efforts. In Jesus' Name, Amen.