Pride often blinds us to the grace of God and leads us down a path where we judge others while ignoring our own shortcomings. In Luke 7:36-39, we find a compelling story of a sinful woman condemned by the Pharisees. Their pride placed them in a position of judgment rather than mercy, illustrating the destructive nature of self-righteousness. Today, we will reflect on this passage and examine how pride can prevent us from showing compassion, grace, and love, just as Christ did.
Today’s Scripture
“Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, ‘This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.'” – Luke 7:36-39 (NKJV)
The Heart of the Pharisee: Blinded by Pride
The Pharisees represent a mindset that many of us can fall into—a prideful focus on outward appearance and strict adherence to the law. In this passage, the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home was quick to judge the woman, labeling her simply as “a sinner.” His pride created a barrier, preventing him from recognizing his own need for forgiveness and from showing compassion to the woman who sought Christ’s mercy.
The Trap of Judgmental Attitudes
Pride often leads us to place ourselves in positions of judgment over others, as the Pharisees did. They saw themselves as morally superior, but this attitude was not aligned with the heart of God. In our own lives, when we focus on the faults of others, we lose sight of our own need for grace and forgiveness. Jesus reminds us that we are all in need of His mercy, and it is only through humility that we can truly serve and love others as He did.
Compassion Over Condemnation
Unlike the Pharisee, Jesus saw beyond the woman’s past and offered her what she needed most—compassion and forgiveness. Pride would have driven her away, but humility draws people in. This story challenges us to put aside our pride and extend the same grace that Christ offers to us, recognizing that no one is beyond redemption.
The Woman’s Humility: A Contrast to Pride
The woman in this passage came to Jesus with nothing but her brokenness, humbling herself at His feet. In contrast to the Pharisees’ pride, she was acutely aware of her sin, yet still sought forgiveness. Her actions—washing His feet with her tears and anointing them with fragrant oil—demonstrate a heart of repentance and humility.
Embracing Our Own Need for Grace
The woman’s humility is a powerful reminder that pride not only hinders our relationships with others but also distances us from God. When we approach Jesus with humility, acknowledging our sins, we open ourselves to His transformative grace. Pride, on the other hand, closes the door to this grace, leaving us spiritually impoverished.
Practical Steps to Guard Against Pride
- Reflect on Your Own Need for Grace: Regularly take time to reflect on your own imperfections and how God has shown you mercy. This practice will help you remain humble and compassionate toward others.
- Offer Compassion Instead of Judgment: When you are tempted to judge someone, remember that God has called us to extend grace, not condemnation. Ask yourself how you can show love and compassion instead.
- Pray for a Humble Heart: Ask God to soften your heart and reveal areas where pride may be hiding. Through prayer, we can invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate humility within us.
- Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who will lovingly point out when pride is creeping into your life. This accountability can help you stay grounded and focused on living a life that reflects Christ’s love.
Conclusion
The story of the Pharisees and the woman in Luke 7:36-39 reveals the stark contrast between pride and humility. The Pharisees, blinded by their self-righteousness, missed the opportunity to show compassion, while the woman, through her humility, found grace at the feet of Jesus. Pride may seem to elevate us in the eyes of others, but in reality, it separates us from both God and those around us. May we learn from this passage to set aside our pride and approach life with the same humility and grace that Jesus extends to us all.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to recognize and reject the pride that separates us from You and others. Teach us to approach each person with compassion, just as Jesus did. May we always remember that we are all in need of Your grace, and may we be quick to extend it to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
