The Feet Of Christ

Of course we should be aware of offending behavior, but how can we help others identify their own sinful actions without acknowledging that we too stand under the possibility of the same judgment?

Simon the Pharisee was either unable or unwilling to admit to his own participation in sin. How easy it is to forget the Apostle Paul’s injunction that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

I have a tendency to want to classify sins, to rank them, to determine that some are worse than others. That way, I can say that my sins are not as bad as those of the guy down the street. After all, I haven’t robbed a gas station lately. I haven’t driven drunk. I haven’t beaten up my wife. I haven’t abused my kids. I haven’t purchased a member of congress.

How arrogant it is to believe that my sins are not as sinful as yours. What a misunderstanding of my status before God to believe that I deserve special consideration from God. How like Simon the Pharisee that is.

In this Lenten season, we stand at the feet of Jesus, guilty of the sin that precipitated those feet being nailed to the cross. We see those wounds and realize that they also mean forgiveness and grace for those who are truly repentant. Those feet mean healing and peace of mind for those who admit the depth of their sin.

In this Lenten season, I hope that we can all come to stand before the feet of Christ: humble, grateful, and in awe of his amazing love.