1 Corinthians 6:9-11
In Luke , Simon made a mistake we’re all prone to make: stereotyping. The woman washing Jesus’ feet was a known “sinner.” She’d probably committed a sexual sin that became public. In Simon’s eyes, this woman was out of God’s favor and would be the last person on earth to be made right with God.
Early followers of Jesus were also guilty of this same error. In 1 Corinthians 6.9-10, Paul describes the people who won’t be in the kingdom of God. But he follows with a humbling statement saying, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified” (1 Corinthians 6.11a).
We cannot write somebody off from the grace of God. Like Simon, we might think, “There’s no way that person could ever come to God.” But Paul reminds us we are them! They are us! We all need to be saved and there isn’t one of us more qualified by our “goodness” to receive the mercy of God. God can change anyone!
May our hearts be open to the possibility that anyone can change—God’s reach is farther than we may presume. Today, thank God for his freely-offered grace and mercy in your life and take a moment to pray for someone specific who still needs to be found by Jesus.