Basic HTML Version
Christ Sees Our Possibilities, October 30
Luke 7:36-50
I tell you, Simon, that her sins, many as they are, are forgiven; for she has
shown me so much love. But the man who has little to be forgiven has only
a little love to give.
Luke 7:47
, Phillips.
Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circum-
stances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of
hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and
ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her
heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. She
knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she had
overcome.
When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabil-
ities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption
has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities
were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine
nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of
demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It was
Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His
head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood
beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb
after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour.
Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very
sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns
no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal,
but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who
come to Him for forgiveness and restoration.... He is today standing at the altar
of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.
The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the
strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites
them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer,
in the light proceeding from the throne of God
[310]
49
Ibid., 568
.
321