And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
So he said, “Teacher, say it.” Luke 7:40
I read this passage of Scripture this morning and it really got me thinking about how Jesus approached Simon with an important truth that he wanted Simon to hear and understand.
Jesus was an invited guest into Simon’s home. He had been invited in but had not been welcomed in (there’s a difference) as Simon’s behaviour had made clear. Jesus had noticed all these slights from Simon as the host such as not giving Jesus water to clean his feet or a welcoming kiss. We know from this well known bible story that a woman comes in (who Simon knows is a woman of bad reputation) and instead she cleans Jesus’ feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair and anoints him with oil.
Jesus had discerned Simon’s heart from his actions and also his thoughts about the woman washing Jesus’s feet. Jesus had something important to teach Simon about forgiveness and love but first Jesus tested whether Simon was prepared to hear what Jesus had to say.
Notice that Jesus in this situation didn’t just presume to tell Simon. He gave Simon the opportunity to hear or not what Jesus had to say. This wasn’t a general teaching to a crowd but this was going to be directed straight at Simon. It was personal. Simon could have said.. no thanks I don’t want to hear what you’ve got to say. I’m not interested. I think if he had then Jesus would have respected that decision and not said anything further. However, Simon gives Jesus the right and permission to speak to him and even acknowledges him as a “Teacher”.
When I’m wronged, treated badly or just want to get my views across then my first reaction is usually to just “tell” and get it straight out there without thinking of asking the other person whether they actually want to hear what I’ve got to say or not. Generally, they’re going to get my opinion whether they like it or not but the question is, have I asked and do I have permission to speak into the situation. Perhaps, I should first be saying “I have something to say to you”.
EagleSight 
Brilliant point. and one i have made many times
If we want to speak to people, we need to win the right to speak to them.
Jesus did just that – and we need to too
Otherwise we just become a voice that is drowned out, and an important message may well, far too easily, get missed.
Andy B
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Good point Andy. Thank you.
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When we truly listen, we will hear.
Thank you!
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Amen! Jesus teaches us with patience. He is willing to wait for His moment when we hear and listen. I appreciate the life application of this post.
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Thank you. I really appreciate your encouragement.
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You make a good point. Too often we are to full of our own thoughts that we think must be shared.
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This is a very subtle but important lesson well presented Nichola. All too often I have seen people assault someone verbally with the Word in a completely unloving way, which has no chance of bring that person out of error or to Christ. May we always have the love if Christ on our lips when we speak! God bless you and your family sister.
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Thanks Alan. I’ve learnt a lot from reading Luke’s gospel recently especially how Jesus interacted with people and got his point across.
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