Bad Religion · Week 1 · Day 1: Seen and Still Loved

Bad Religion · Judgment Without Grace · October 11, 2026

Read: Luke 7:36–50

There are two very different responses to Jesus at Simon’s table. Simon, a Pharisee, has invited Jesus into his home. A woman known in the town for her sinful life comes to him weeping. She wets his feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints them with perfume. Simon sees her reputation and questions whether Jesus knows who is touching him.

Jesus knows. He also knows what is happening in Simon’s heart. Neither person is hidden from him. Yet the woman’s past does not keep Jesus from receiving her. He speaks forgiveness to her and, at the end of the encounter, tells her that her faith has saved her.

For some of us, the thought that God sees everything feels frightening. We’ve learned to keep the difficult parts of our lives out of sight. We can show up, say the right things, and still wonder what would happen if anyone really knew us.

This passage invites us to come honestly to Jesus. He already sees what we are afraid to name. We can acknowledge our sin without deciding that we are beyond his mercy. His grace gives us somewhere to bring the truth.

We need that grace now, in the middle of the struggles we would rather hide. We can turn toward him today.

Reflect: What are you afraid to bring into the light with Jesus? What does his response to this woman invite you to trust?

Practice: Take five quiet minutes to name one real struggle in prayer. Resist explaining it away. Ask Jesus for forgiveness and help with the next faithful step.

Prayer: Jesus, you see me completely. Help me stop hiding and come to you in faith. Teach me to trust your love as I face what needs to change. Amen. 

Watch this week’s sermon: Judgment Without Grace