When Forgiveness Breaks Through

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.’”
(Luke 7:44)

Have you ever been invited somewhere only to realize later that you weren’t really welcome? I once experienced this at a wedding I was asked to officiate. Though the couple wanted me there, some of the organizers didn’t. From the looks and their tone, it was obvious that I wasn’t their first choice.

In Luke 7, Jesus faced a similar scene of being snubbed. He was invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner but wasn’t truly welcome. We learn from the text that the host missed all of the normal customs such as offering water for His dusty feet, oil for His head, or a kiss of greeting. But then came in an unexpected guest, a woman with a sinful reputation. She fell at Jesus’ feet, and began to weep, washing His feet with her tears and pouring expensive perfume over them.

While the Pharisee and guests judged her, Jesus received her. He made it clear that forgiveness wasn’t about appearances or religious performance but about a heart that humbly turns to Him. This woman knew her brokenness, and that’s why her gratitude overflowed to Jesus. When you’ve experienced real forgiveness, it changes everything.

Forgiven people worship differently.
Forgiven people serve with joy.
Forgiven people know the power of grace.

Meanwhile, the Pharisee missed his moment with Jesus because he couldn’t admit his need. Pride blinded him to his own brokenness. Don’t let that happen to you. When you come to Jesus in honesty and humility, you’ll discover forgiveness deeper than your failures and freedom stronger than your shame.

This Week’s Bold Step Challenge:
Take time to reflect: Are you more like the Pharisee or the woman in this story? Have you become so “put together” that you’ve lost sight of your need for grace, or do you come to Jesus daily in humble dependence?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for meeting me in my brokenness and extending forgiveness when I least deserved it. Keep me from the pride of the Pharisee and help me live with the humility and gratitude of the woman at Your feet. May my life reflect the joy of being forgiven, and may others see the power of Your grace through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: At the Table with Jesus

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

If Bold Steps has made a difference in your life, your family, or your walk with Christ, we would love to hear from you. Your story matters—not just to us, but to others who may be walking through similar challenges and need encouragement. By sharing what God is doing in your life, you have the opportunity to help strengthen someone else’s faith and remind them that they are not alone.

Would you take a moment to send us a note at boldsteps@moody.edu, with our contact form, or call our pre-recorded listener line at (312)-329-2011? Your testimony may be the spark that brings hope to another listener when we share it on a future program! Thank you for being such an important part of the Bold Steps family. We’re truly grateful for you, and we’re excited to see how God continues to work in and through your life.