No matter how much we may love practicing hospitality, there are going to be those occasions that are downright unenjoyable. How do you look deeply into the heart of the dinner guest who dominates conversation? How do you understand the soul need of that new acquaintance who drops by “for a chat” and stays all afternoon? Ever tried giving help to someone who despises charity? Whew! You’ve been there…we all have!


How about that woman who slipped into the Pharisee’s dinner party? As the guests reclined at table, she conducted an emotional, messy foot-washing, for which she was soundly criticized by a number of diners. “A whole jar of expensive perfume! Just barged in!! Wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair?!”


If you’d been hosting that night, how would you have reacted? Jesus gently rebuked His friends for ignoring the woman’s motives, then helped them gain a new perspective and a look into her heart. Our wise Lord looks into our sinful hearts, too, and He loves us just the same!