This morning I was reading from Luke 7.  It is the story about a woman who came to a house where Jesus was eating a meal with the Pharisees.  This woman, whom the Pharisee’s were judging pretty harshly in their hearts, came to Jesus, knelt by his feet, and anointed them with perfume and washed them with her tears.  Obviously, the Pharisees were repulsed by this act.  Surely this woman was too sinful and dirty to do such a thing to Jesus.  Only those like the Pharisees could have such an honor, right?

I’ll let you go and read the rest of the story.  Take some time and read Jesus’ response to the Pharisees.  It is Luke 7:39-50.

This morning, we all need to take a moment and relate ourselves to this woman.  Why?  Because this woman is an example of someone who is utterly repulsed by her own sin, yet had the boldness to approach the Holy of Holies.  She (as well as the Pharisees) is someone who was not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus.

This is grace.

That we, sinful people who would rather glorify ourselves than God, are beckoned into the presence of God Himself.  Not to be punished.  Not to be reprimanded.  But to be redeemed.  To have our sin washed away and our hearts renewed.

This woman had a beautiful balance in her life between being repulsed by her sin yet drawn to the grace of her savior, Jesus.  This morning, I hope you can spend a few minutes with God asking for that heart.  Ask him for a heart that is repulsed by your sin yet draws you to the feet of Jesus.  It is the most beautiful paradoxical truth.  Our unworthiness draws us to Him who is worthy.