Unrestrained

Dinner at Simon’s, a curious event.
The Pharisee, interested in Jesus.
Many guests, an open door.
Who wouldn’t want to see this?
She walked in, though uninvited,
Overcoming her fear and shame.
Anointing Him with expensive oil
And weeping, unrestrained.

Simon sat in silent judgement,
Pronouncing guilt on them.
Assuming the Prophet didn’t know,
Else He too would condemn.
Simon watched her wash His feet;
She with reputation stained.
His heart was full of self righteousness.
It flowed from him unrestrained.

Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts,
Related to Simon a parable.
Two debtors owed a moneylender-
One debt large, the other debt terrible.
Which of the debtors loved more when
Forgiveness of debt was obtained?
Clearly the one forgiven more,
Simon reluctantly explained.

You have shown Me no courtesies
Normally common to guests.
You feel you have no debt,
Your behavior suggests.
But this woman is aware
Of the forgiveness she gained.
The evidence is her heart,
Loving unrestrained.

Loving little or loving much?
Which one of these are you?
Your life and actions demonstrate
What you believe to be true.
When you discover your debt is gone-
No longer under its domain-
You’ll find yourself free at last
To love Jesus, unrestrained.