Follow My Lead: He Wasn't Offended
Read First: Luke 7:36–50
Over the last several days, we've watched Jesus reveal the heart of the Father. We've seen Him pursue the overlooked, notice the forgotten, and invite people into a relationship with God.
Today, we're invited into the home of a Pharisee named Simon.
Before we focus on the woman...
Before we listen to Simon...
Let's watch Jesus.
As Jesus enters Simon's home, something unusual happens.
Or perhaps, something doesn't happen.
In Jesus' day, a respected guest would often be welcomed with a kiss of greeting. Water would be provided to wash the dust from tired feet. Oil might be placed on the guest's head as an expression of honor and hospitality.
Jesus receives none of it.
Simon welcomes Him into his house...
But not fully into his heart.
Jesus notices.
Yet He isn't offended.
As I linger with this story, I'm struck by what Jesus doesn't do.
He doesn't demand the respect He deserves.
He doesn't withdraw.
He doesn't become defensive.
He doesn't return dishonor for dishonor.
He simply remains present.
A little later, He will gently address the truth.
But first...
He loves.
I once heard someone say that the mark of a mature Christian is the ability to love another person regardless of their station in life.
The longer I watch Jesus, the more I believe that's true.
Jesus' capacity to love never changes.
It isn't determined by someone's reputation.
It isn't influenced by wealth or poverty.
It isn't reserved for the religious or withheld from the broken.
His arms remain stretched wide.
Always.
Whether He is welcomed or rejected...
Honored or dishonored...
Celebrated or criticized...
Jesus loves with the same steady, unwavering heart.
That isn't weakness.
It's the very heart of the Father.
We often think love is tested when people are kind to us.
Jesus shows us that love is revealed when they aren't.
As the evening continues, Simon quietly begins judging another guest.
He assumes Jesus doesn't understand what is happening.
He assumes that if Jesus truly knew who this woman was, He would pull away from her.
Jesus, knowing Simon's thoughts, doesn't embarrass him.
He doesn't shame him.
He doesn't expose him before the other guests.
Instead, He simply says,
"Simon, I have something to tell you."
I love that.
No accusation.
No harshness.
No wounded pride.
Just a loving invitation to see something Simon cannot yet see.
Grace...
before truth.
Relationship...
before correction.
As I watch Jesus in this room, I realize something about the Father.
God is not easily offended.
He isn't fragile.
He doesn't withdraw the moment we misunderstand Him.
He isn't waiting for the perfect opportunity to prove us wrong.
He patiently continues revealing His heart.
That's exactly what Jesus is about to do.
Before He corrects Simon...
He teaches him.
Before He exposes the blindness...
He tells a story.
Before He speaks the truth...
He extends grace.
Perhaps that's because grace creates the safety where truth can finally be heard.
Make It Personal
Think about the last time someone offended you.
How did you respond?
Did you become defensive?
Withdraw?
Feel the need to prove yourself?
Now watch Jesus again.
What stands out to you about His response?
What would it look like to remain secure enough in the Father's love that you no longer needed to defend your own honor?
Spend a few quiet moments asking the Father to help you see people—and yourself—the way Jesus does.
Practice Today
The next time you feel overlooked, misunderstood, or offended, pause before responding.
Ask yourself:
"What would Jesus do next?"
Choose one response that reflects His heart instead of your hurt.
Dig Deeper
Luke 7:36–50
Isaiah 53:7
Philippians 2:1–11
1 Peter 2:21–23
John 14:9
Jesus wasn't trying to protect His reputation.
He was revealing His Father.