The More Excellent Way
Scripture Reading — Luke 7:36-48
The one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
Psalm 101 doesn’t make me think of Jesus—not at first. The poet sounds proud of his personal holiness. He seems a bit full of himself. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life,” he says (v. 2).
From there, the poet expresses all the ways he will distance himself from people who don’t measure up to his standards. And it’s not just a passive distancing. He intends to drive unworthy people away (v. 8). And he will only exchange hospitality with people who are faithful, like himself (v. 6).
This is when I start thinking of Jesus. Because Jesus fills out the meaning of this psalm by turning it on its head.
The Pharisee in Luke 7 might well have had a special affection for Psalm 101. He certainly limited his hospitality. Apparently even Jesus didn’t measure up! The Pharisee provided no water to wash Jesus’ feet (v. 44), no kiss to greet him (v. 45), and no oil to anoint him (v. 46).
But Jesus welcomed tears and kisses and perfume from a woman who was considered unworthy. And when he offered the generous hospitality of forgiveness, it brought forth an outpouring of love from the woman.
Jesus, the blameless one, ministered not only to the woman but also to his proud host. Jesus’ way is the more excellent way.
Jesus, may your mercy always summon an outpouring of love from me—and not just for people who might seem worthy. Amen.
About the author — Bob Arbogast
Bob Arbogast is the pastor of Celebration Fellowship church in Ionia, Michigan. In his spare time, he plays guitar in a West Michigan blues band. He and his wife Jan have been married forty years and have three adult daughters. Bob has been praying the psalms since 2002.
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