Invite Jesus

by TA York

The Guest and the Host: Are You Ready for Jesus?

In Luke 7:44–50, we witness a jarring contrast between two people and their reactions to Jesus.

Jesus 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. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The Cold Welcome

A Pharisee invited Jesus to his home for a meal. In ancient Hebrew custom, this was more than a dinner; it was an act of Hachnasat Orchim—the fundamental mitzvah of hospitality. It was supposed to emphasize kindness, community, and personal connection.

Yet, this Pharisee ignored every tradition. He offered no greeting, no kiss, and no water for feet dusty from the road. His intent wasn’t hospitality; it was an interrogation. He wanted to trap Jesus in His own words and implicate Him in heresy. His attitude was clear: “Hurry up and eat, Jesus, so I can ask my questions and get you out of my house.”

How would you treat Jesus if He entered your house today? Are you ready for the questions He might ask? Did you know He is searching for something specific in your heart?

The Alabaster Offering

While they sat at the table, a woman known in town for her “sinful life” entered. She didn’t come for the food; she came for the Savior.

“As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:38)

She brought the most expensive thing she owned. Too humbled to stand before Him, she knelt behind Him. There was no need for her to say, “Jesus, forgive me”—her actions screamed it. Her regret was visible; her desire for grace was absolute.

How much more personal can you get?

A Personal Confession

I want to be crystal clear about my own heart: I am not worthy to stand before Him. I am not worthy even to be near Him. Yet, He bids me: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

I have no expensive perfume to lay at His feet. But Hosea 6:6 reminds us: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” My gift to Him is the mercy I show others in His name.

I choose to kiss His feet. Jesus gave us the example of washing His disciples’ feet—the lowest, most demeaning job of a slave. He even washed the feet of Judas, the one who would betray Him. If John the Baptist said he wasn’t worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals, who am I to demand a seat at the head of the table?

I cry and lay my problems at His feet. To Jesus, this is a “sweet aroma” of prayer and praise (2 Corinthians 2:15).

While It Is Day

Man offers confusion, but the Bible offers clarity. I stand on the Word of God as my standard for life. I serve Him not out of obligation, but out of immense thankfulness for what He has done for me.

I’ll be honest with you: Doctors have told me I don’t have much time left on this earth. Because of that, I serve with God’s energy, not my own. “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Maybe tomorrow I won’t be able to move, but I can move today. So, today, I share Jesus.

Today is the Day

Seek Jesus while He can be found. The door of repentance will not stay open forever. Today is the day of salvation.

As the old hymn says:

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

Praise the Savior and accept Him today.

A Simple Prayer: “Dear Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. Please forgive me. Wash me with Your precious blood. Holy Spirit, I invite You to live inside me. Thank You, Jesus, for Your death on the cross and for my new life. Amen.”

God bless!