Advocacy Is for All
Why do you think the woman in the story needed Jesus to advocate for her? In what ways was she already advocating for herself?
The woman needed Jesus to advocate for her because everyone in society had already formed a negative attitude. People could no longer listen to her because they perceived her as a great sinner. She was already advocating for herself because she was courageous enough to go to Jesus and cry at his feet to forgive sins. She knew that Pharisees and other religious leaders would welcome her following her sinful nature, but she still took courage to see Jesus.
What was the Pharisee, Simon’s attitude toward the woman? Why do you think he had this attitude? What was his attitude toward Jesus, and what does it say about his perspective on the world or how things are supposed to work?
Simon had a negative attitude towards this woman because he knew her. This attitude came because the prostitutes were perceived as sinful people, and at times, they were regarded as outcasts. Besides, a Pharisee could see a speck on one’s eye but could not see a log in his eye. When Jesus tolerated the sinful woman, the Simon doubted his powers and divine connection because he believed that the righteous should not interact with the sinners.
Why do you think Jesus chooses to tell Simon a story as a way of advocating for the woman? What was the goal of His advocacy? How do you think the story He tells could have been helpful both for Simon and the woman?
Jesus wanted Simon to enter into the shoes of this woman while making him understand that no one is righteous. Besides, the use of a parable made Simon contemplate the message and make a moral lesson. The goal of his advocacy to flee the woman from the sins while making Simon understand that no sin cannot be forgiven. This story as helpful for both Simon and the woman because it helped them know that it is not about a load of sins but the faith that one had in God.
After Jesus tells the story and receives an answer, He further explains the point. What is the point He is making? How is making this point helpful from an advocacy point of view? How will it help the woman in the long run if she believes it? How will it help Simon to change if he takes this message to heart? Why?
Jesus wanted to show Simon that faith is essential in salvation. From the advocacy point of view, it necessary for those in need to show dedication, faith, and trust to the advocate for effectively bringing the desired change. The woman will acquire salvation if she believes and abandons her old behaviors. For Simon, the message will help him understand that he is not perfect before God, and he will stop judging others.
What can you take away from this passage that will help you to be a more effective advocate? Describe one strategy you might use based on what you have learned.
What I can take away is the importance of considering everyone’s needs in the selected community despite their social status. The strategy that I might use is prioritizing the most affected populations because they are more likely to benefit from advocacy than the rest of the community members.