Who is the woman? I like that you’ve asked the question, because it requires us to slow down and capture Luke’s narrative detail by detail. For some reason, although I’ve read this countless times, I first noticed that Jesus had “compassion” on the widow. If the widow is the same woman, it adds a depth to her response at Simon the pharisee’s house. Is it adoration and gratitude?? It also challenged me: for all the deliverance and resurrection in my own life, what has been my response? Jesus chided the Pharisee for his tepid welcome, in an almost sarcastic rebuke of the “little” outward love shown to Jesus. Has my response been much or little?
Thanks Chuck, I have read the story before but never slowed down to ask that question of who is she. Given her emotional response and extravagant gift - Alabaster Jar - she doesn’t want to be known, but I wonder if it’s the Widow from Nain thanking him for raising her only son or Mary Magdalene thanking him for her deliverance from 7 demons. All made me think. And yes what are response to His Grace towards us.
Paul, this piece is beautifully written and challenges me. I've always believed this could refer to Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus; however, today, I felt a shift in my understanding, not just about the names but God’s divine purpose.
The Lord knows us intimately, including how our minds function, which leads me to deep contemplation.
As I read the Scriptures, I search for all the gems woven within. Your post and thought-provoking questions prompted me to realize a profound truth: since the Word of God is written with intention, everything included has great importance. Similarly, the absence of certain elements carries its own significance. I feel guided to another level of discovery.
Thanks friend. For me I was challenged and opened my mind to other truths. The unnamed woman doesn’t want fame or anything else, she just wants to be with Jesus. Glad you liked this, stretched me a little but all good.
I think the identification is worth considering, though the devotional point does not depend on it being made. Luke is never random in connecting or collecting stories.
Thanks Jerry, glad to connect with you earlier in the week. We can collaborate soon on something. I am liking diving into Luke’s gospel in more detail.
Who is the woman? I like that you’ve asked the question, because it requires us to slow down and capture Luke’s narrative detail by detail. For some reason, although I’ve read this countless times, I first noticed that Jesus had “compassion” on the widow. If the widow is the same woman, it adds a depth to her response at Simon the pharisee’s house. Is it adoration and gratitude?? It also challenged me: for all the deliverance and resurrection in my own life, what has been my response? Jesus chided the Pharisee for his tepid welcome, in an almost sarcastic rebuke of the “little” outward love shown to Jesus. Has my response been much or little?
Thanks Chuck, I have read the story before but never slowed down to ask that question of who is she. Given her emotional response and extravagant gift - Alabaster Jar - she doesn’t want to be known, but I wonder if it’s the Widow from Nain thanking him for raising her only son or Mary Magdalene thanking him for her deliverance from 7 demons. All made me think. And yes what are response to His Grace towards us.
It’s an interesting question, I would tend to think it is not the same person-but I can see why you connect the two events.
Thanks for sharing. It is an interesting story.
Paul, this piece is beautifully written and challenges me. I've always believed this could refer to Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus; however, today, I felt a shift in my understanding, not just about the names but God’s divine purpose.
The Lord knows us intimately, including how our minds function, which leads me to deep contemplation.
As I read the Scriptures, I search for all the gems woven within. Your post and thought-provoking questions prompted me to realize a profound truth: since the Word of God is written with intention, everything included has great importance. Similarly, the absence of certain elements carries its own significance. I feel guided to another level of discovery.
Thanks so much!
Thanks friend. For me I was challenged and opened my mind to other truths. The unnamed woman doesn’t want fame or anything else, she just wants to be with Jesus. Glad you liked this, stretched me a little but all good.
God is so good to draw us near and deposit something amazing in us. I am grateful for this post. Thank you for laboring in the word!
I think the identification is worth considering, though the devotional point does not depend on it being made. Luke is never random in connecting or collecting stories.
Thanks Jerry, glad to connect with you earlier in the week. We can collaborate soon on something. I am liking diving into Luke’s gospel in more detail.
Great encouragement as usual! Also enjoyed the bookend quotes from CS Lewis and Charles Spurgeon. Powerful 👏🏼
Thanks brother. Spurgeon and Lewis always get me thinking differently about many things.
I am new to substack and unsure how to buy a coffee. I would love to do that for you.