He knew

There's a lot said about Jesus welcoming the children. One of the main stories taught in children's church. The disciples tried to push them away, but Christ wanted to be with them. I wonder if they were laughing and running around him. Tugging on his robes. Playing with them. Or did they sit in awe of Him?  Did they scramble in His lap to be held by Him?  One day, I imagine, we will know. 

One story that's also told, though not to children, is of the woman who came and anointed His feet with her hair. 

Reading a few different translations, one says "a Sinful Woman". One says "an especially wicked sinner". Yeah. Really. I guess that needs to be told. It's not pretty, but it's real. Parts of our story aren't pretty, but they are real and important. 

In knowing that she was a sinner, even an especially wicked one, we understand. She had made some wrong choices. She had lost her way. She was broken and bruised. 

The Pharisee had no sympathy for her. Didn't want her in his home. Said to himself, "If He only knew what she had done!"  Can you imagine the look of disgust on his face?  I can. 

But Jesus did know. He knew. He knew the depths of her sin. He knew the pain that she caused in her sin. He knew!

And forgave her. 

He allowed her to come close to him. To honor him. To worship him. Because he also knew her heart. He knew how much she needed his forgiveness. He knew how broken she was because of her sin. He knew how much she needed healing. 

He know how much she needed his love. 

His unconditional love. 

He told her to enter into peace. Enter into the freedom from all the distresses that are experiences as a result of sin. (Luke 7:50 AMP)

He knew her sin. He knew her. And he welcomed her to Him. He took her sin and gave her peace and forgiveness.