If you’ve ever doubted that Jesus could love you, continue reading.
The Bible is rich with stories of individuals whom Jesus loved despite their perceived unworthiness. Has life left you feeling tarnished and undeserving of God’s love?
The true extent and potency of His love were concepts that I struggled to grasp. While we can all be considered improbable recipients of Christ’s love, let’s explore five individuals in particular whom Jesus loved despite their seeming unlikeliness.
1. The Samaritan Woman’s Encounter
As Jesus and His disciples journeyed from Judea to Galilee, passing through Samaria became necessary, despite the animosity between Jews and Samaritans. In the eyes of the Jews, Samaritans were deemed unclean due to intermarriage with non-Jews, and some worshipped false gods. Most Jews opted for an alternative route to avoid Samaria, but Jesus did not.
In His divine awareness, Jesus anticipated the arrival of a nameless Samaritan woman at the well where He waited. He deliberately sent His disciples away to engage in a private conversation with her, all part of a divine plan without any element of coincidence. Surprising her by asking for water, a rarity between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus challenged her perceptions.
He responded, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’ (John 4:10 NIV)
Jesus transcended racial divides, initiating a dialogue that evolved from physical water to spiritual water. Shifting the discussion to her marital status, Jesus revealed her past with precision, astonishing her with His insight. Acknowledging Him as a prophet, she eventually raised a theological question about worship, leading to the pivotal moment:
The woman stated, ‘I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.’
Jesus proclaimed, ‘I, the one speaking to you – I am He.’ (John 4:25-26 NIV)
Upon the disciples’ return, they didn’t question Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman. Overjoyed, she left her water jar, no longer hiding her face in public, and proclaimed the Messiah’s arrival. The Samaritans, influenced by her testimony, invited Jesus to stay, resulting in many believing in Him.
Note the woman’s boldness, initially constrained by shame to fetch water at an unconventional hour. Encountering Jesus, she didn’t expect compassion from a Jewish man. Yet, Jesus treated her with respect, surprising her with compassion instead of condemnation when He revealed knowledge of her sinful life.
Regardless of your past or present circumstances, Jesus extends the same compassion. He doesn’t ridicule or condemn; He loves you. Yet, He desires more – your belief in Him as your Savior, fostering an intimate daily relationship.
If shame has kept you away, emulate the Samaritan woman. Leave shame behind and run to Jesus, just as she left her water jar. Boldly share your transformation, free from shame, with those around you.
2. The Woman in Adultery’s Encounter
While Jesus imparted wisdom in the temple, Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, scheming to trap Him with a question about stoning as per Moses’s law. Rather than responding, Jesus stooped down, writing on the ground. Persistently prodded for an answer, He stood and uttered a profound statement:
‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ (John 8:7 NIV)
Resuming his writing, Jesus’ words prompted her accusers to depart, starting with the eldest. Left alone, the partially dressed woman faced Jesus. He asked, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She replied, ‘No one, sir.’
Jesus declared, ‘Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.’ (John 8:10-11 NIV)
Her abandonment of a sinful life symbolizes repentance. Although her belief in Jesus isn’t specified, one can hope Christ’s compassion led her to trust Him as the Messiah, obeying His command to sin no more.
Consider your response to such a woman – accusations or assistance? Reflect on your stance. Unlike the condemning Pharisees, Jesus extended grace and mercy, foiling their scheme to ensnare Him.
3. The Woman with a Sinful Past Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet
The grip of shame often holds us back, urging us to remain concealed within the crowd. It discourages us from risking potential ridicule, especially when it involves taking our most prized possession to interrupt a dinner party and anoint the feet of Jesus. But what if shame could be transformed by love? This unnamed woman, burdened by sin, likely encountered Jesus before the dinner, perhaps during His teachings on the streets and His healing of people. In response to His transformative message, she abandoned her sinful life.
We should not disregard our own colorful histories. Living in a small town, I share a similar past with this woman. However, having walked with Jesus for a significant portion of my adult life, I understand the courage it took for her to anoint Jesus with costly oil in the presence of the disapproving host, a Pharisee named Simon. Despite the judgmental glares, Jesus defended her act of worship and exposed the rudeness of Simon.
“You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.” (Luke 7:45 NIV)
If you grapple with shame, remember that Jesus loves you just as He loved this woman. He desires to extend forgiveness for your sins, mirroring the compassion He showed to her. If you haven’t yet established a personal relationship with Him, there’s an opportunity for change. Embrace the sacrifice of Christ as the payment for your sins, paving the way for a profound connection with Him, akin to the one this woman experienced.
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