The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:49)
In 2007, world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell stuck a baseball cap on his head and started busking in a Washington, DC, Metro station. This former child prodigy who had graced the stages of the most prestigious performance halls, commanding thousands of dollars for each performance, brought in a mere $52.17. Only seven people stopped to listen for any length of time. This experiment clearly demonstrated how the greatest gifts often go unnoticed, even when they are right before our eyes.
Jesus offered this woman the greatest gift of all: the forgiveness of sins. In these four words, Jesus revealed who he truly is, God in the flesh, who had come to set people free from sin and bring his kingdom to earth. These four words made the dinner guests’ eyes widen in amazement. “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Who is this Jesus?
This scene echoes another question Jesus himself posed, perhaps the most important question we can ever answer: “Who do you say that I am?” Who is Jesus to you? Is he simply a good teacher? Is he merely a thought leader with a strong moral compass? Or is Jesus Savior, Messiah, and Lord, the one who declares your sins forgiven and promises you peace?
Jesus offers us the greatest gift we could ever receive. It’s right before your eyes. Will you accept it?
Receive the gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers.
Jenn Petersen co-pastors Resurrection Life NYC, a Wesleyan congregation in Manhattan. Passionate about discipleship, worship, and justice, she also works for International Justice Mission.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
