February 13 | LUKE 7:36-39

Judy Webb
Feb 13, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

Luke 7:36-39

REFLECTION

A Divine Rescue

by Judy Webb

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. (Luke 7:36 NLT)

Are you thinking what I am thinking? Something like, “This can’t be good.” It is early in Jesus’ ministry, but we have seen enough to realize the Pharisees usually had ulterior motives in their interactions with Jesus. Jesus threatens them; his words and actions caused them to reply with caustic comments and remarks. It is obvious they are curious about this man who seems to know so much about the Scriptures, even more than they. And this often surfaces as hostility to Jesus and his followers.

While Jesus intrigued the religious leaders, they were determined not to be taken in by his ways. The Pharisees were the most influential of the religious sects and they held tightly to their beliefs; not bending for anyone. Perhaps they feared they might lose their lofty position in the Synagogues should they give Jesus any leeway.

Jesus knew their intentions, but he went to dinner anyway. Some folks gathered may have been wondering if Jesus was indeed a guest, or the entertainment. Little did they know, his purpose was to rescue them. His purpose is to rescue us as well. Did you know you needed rescuing? Many do not, until the waters of trouble begin to overwhelm.

How many times have you and I responded to the question, “How are you?’ with a quick, “fine”. Truth is, none of us are fine. Not without Jesus’ help, that is for certain. Like the Pharisee who extended the invitation to Jesus to sup with him. He wasn’t fine. He was probably troubled by any number of worldly concerns. Perhaps family, health, or his wealth gave him cause for worry. Then there is the woman in town who had lived a sinful life who came to the party hoping to see Jesus and give him a special gift. Little did she know he had an even more special gift waiting for her. She anointed Jesus with fragrant and expensive oil. Jesus anointed her with forgiveness; He rescued her soul.

According to the custom of the day, anyone could just drop in to see what was happening. All those people also had troubles of one sort or another (just like us) and were in desperate need of rescue. That was the purpose for Jesus’ presence, for His coming to earth, for His accepting the Pharisees invitation to dinner. He wants to minister to everyone who comes into his Presence. He is offering to rescue us with every encounter.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your offer of rescue is just what we all need, every day. When you hold out your hand and we take hold of it, we are pulled from the depths of our grief and pain. Remind us with your Word, just how much you love us and desire a deep relationship with Your children. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.