Luke 7:50 - “Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”

The notorious sinful woman who wept at Jesus’ feet was probably just looking for acceptance or comforting words. Jesus surprises her, along with the surrounding religious experts, by revealing that her faith has saved her! What kind of faith is this?

When we are filled with God’s love for others, we are naturally concerned with their felt-needs: self (loneliness, anxiety, addiction, etc.), relationships (family, co-workers, social life, etc.), circumstances (work, tragedy, illness, etc.). And for most people, this is the reason they first start seeking God because they are seeking a solution for their felt-needs. But considering people’s ultimate need of salvation in Christ helps to rightly prioritize their felt-needs. As Christians, we must help people to have a “faith that saves” (Luke 7) and not just a “faith to feel better” or “faith for better time management” or “faith for practical help.” Having a faith that saves allows us to “go in peace” no matter what our condition or circumstance. More than a one-time solution to our current problem, Jesus offers to be the Savior who walks with us through all life’s concerns.

We’ll sing Your praise forever! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqnRj1N4blA

-JP