The first great truth that dawns upon the soul as we come into the place of blessing is that He is greater than our sins. It was this that the sinner of the city discovered in Luke 7:36–50. It is more than likely that this tired woman had heard the words of the Lord and, attracted by them, had followed Him to Simon’s house. Should she enter it? What right had she to do that? The frowns of the Pharisee and his guests would have driven her far from the door if the One whom her soul sought had not reclined just within it, in the lowest seat of the feast. Her need of Him was greater than her fear of them, and two forces were at work which were greater than their hostility; these combined to bring her to His feet. His love drew her; her need drove her. And pressed by the drawing of His love and the driving of her need, she took the one step across the threshold that brought her to the only spot where her weary, burdened heart could find relief and rest.

At His feet she wept out her repentance for a sinful life, and she mingled tears of gratitude to Him with those penitential tears for the welcome He gave her.

Simon the Pharisee would not have permitted her to touch him, and his guests would have spurned her, but the lowly Jesus, the mighty Prince of Life, was not like them: He was the Friend of sinners. She discovered that He had a heart of infinite tenderness, that He could feel even for her, and that when He opened His mouth He spoke as no other man ever did or could speak: He spoke of forgiveness, of salvation, of peace; and surely, of all things on earth or in heaven, none could meet the longings of a weary soul like these.