Series: Short Stories with Jesus
Message: Feet Kisser
Preacher: Jessyka Albert
Reflection: Jessyka Albert
Live Wonder: Zan Long
Live Adventure: Zan Long
Live Purpose: Vanessa Rivera
Editor: Becky De Oliveira
Refresh: Begin with prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Luke 7:36-48 in the English Standard Version (ESV). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: The word for peace in the Greek, εἰρήνη, occurs 92 times in the second testament. Jesus is all about peace. It is fair to say this was an important word in His ministry and the ministry carried out by the early church. Jesus tells this woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” There are many ways that Greek scholars have tried to find the best translation for this word, εἰρήνη. It can be noted as a common Jewish farewell—peace of mind, harmony, safety, whole- ness—but many have noticed that in the second testament, Jesus has begun to redefine peace. This kind of peace can only come from Jesus. In the book of Philippians, Paul and Timothy talk about a peace that passes all understanding. This is not a simple peace of mind, but a peace that transcends every definition known to man.
We often mistake action words for feel-good words. For example, I know that when I hear the term “Sabbath rest” I am far to tempted to think of a long nap rather than resting from my own needs, wants, and obligations of the week and focusing on the love of Jesus compelling me to serve others. Could it be the same that when we read this text we think of peace as a feel-good word? This woman can go with some peace of mind, security, wholeness, and feel good be- cause her sins are forgiven.
Because I studied Biblical languages in college, I cannot help but read into the next chapter. Stories don’t always end when a chapter comes to a close. If you were to break the rules of verses and chapters and continue on into Luke chapter 8, you would soon realize how I have come to this conclusion that peace is an action word. In verse one we are told, “Soon afterward . . .” This is following Jesus’ encounter with the sinful woman we met in Chapter 7. We are told that soon afterward, Jesus went through cities and villages with the twelve disciples, bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. There were many women traveling with Him and financially supporting His ministry.
I can’t help but wonder if this woman was among those who traveled with Jesus. I can’t help but wonder if going in peace, she also went and evangelized, sharing her story about this incredible Savior who saw her not as a sinner, but as a daughter.
Recalibrate: When Jesus gives you peace, what do you do with it?
Respond: Ask God to set before you each day a way live a life of action for His kingdom.
Research: Look up the Greek word for peace, εἰρήνη, in the New Testament. What verses speak to you most about how Jesus defined peace?
Remember: “She has been forgiven of all her many sins. This is why she has shown me such extravagant love.” —Luke 7:47 (TPT)
Jessyka Albert is a graduate of Union College and a native of Washington State. She has been the associate pastor at Boulder Adventist Church since 2016. She serves over three branches of faith development, Wonder, Adventure and Purpose.
A bubble bath is such a fun way to get clean after a very grubby day. Play with your child in the tub, pouring water in and out of cups. Talk about all the things that got you so dirty and how the water and soap is making you clean. Living with Jesus in your heart is like having a bubble bath on the inside. It washes away hurt and pain, replacing them with love and joy.
Find a big jug and fill it up with water. Think of all the things that you have done that have hurt someone else. Maybe leaving the annoying kid out at school. Not sticking up for someone when they were being bullied, or saying mean things. As you pour out the water, ask Jesus to forgive you for choosing to be mean. Ask for help to choose to be kind in your heart and in what you do.
This story reminds us how readily available forgiveness is to everyone. The last four words of the passage are Jesus telling the woman, "Your sins are forgiven.” Does that sound familiar? Search the Bible or the web for other times Jesus said that same thing to others. Thank Jesus for forgiving all sin, no matter the situation.