Ayo S

What was the sinful woman's motive for coming to Jesus? I think she was grateful for the teachings of Jesus and it touched her heart. She loved His words and His teachings and wanted to show her appreciation for Him, and how much she valued Him. She brought such a precious box of ointment to his feet, so that she could wash his feet with her hair. She felt honoured to be able to clean his feet and was so touched that she cried. In the face of her Saviour, she was so aware of her sinfulness and unworthiness and cried with the guilt of sin.

What portion of Jesus' mission do you believe he has delegated to you? Jesus has asked that I heal the broken hearted. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to lead me into a completely different avenue of life and to touch people's lives in a way that I didn't think was possible. He has asked me to encourage others, to leave behind my beliefs and my church of old and go out into new places and strengthen those who are weak. There are so many that need his touch and I cannot stay silent here and stay in my comfortable place, thinking it is OK. He speaks that I should move forth and that I must do. Lord, help me to leave behind the comforts of yesterday and step into your path and calling for me. It's not OK for me to sit comfortably in church, stagnant as I refuse Your mission.

Who in our society are treated like lepers were treated in Jesus' day? So many people - those who have HIV/AIDs, Covid-19, those who are elderly, incontinent. Those with mental illness, those with sever physical disabilities, those who are homeless, drug addicts, prostitutes, and known sinners - paedophiles, murderers, convicts and ex-convicts. We ostracise so many - those who are transgender, those who have strange facial disfigurements, burn victims, those who are disabled. Not to talk of the many who are ostracised in some way or shape due to class, skin colour, family background, marital status. When I think of how Jesus openly touched the leper it reminds me that I am to reflect Jesus. I am to be His ambassador in this world and I cannot shy away from people because of my discomfort and my prejudices. Lord, give me a heart of love that I may honestly and openly embrace people into your love. There are so many people that are rejected by society and Lord I would love to show them kindness. Teach me, O Lord, to be kind and remember to stretch forth my hand to others who are rejected and castigated by society.

What does it mean to you personally to "follow" Jesus? For me, following Jesus has been joyful. It has taught me how to become a person, to love myself, to love others. I grew up in a Christian home, but in a home where the phrase "I love you" was not uttered. Due to a very conservative home and upbringing, I lacked self confidence and hid myself in books and films to make up for the lack of friendship and fellowship. As I have followed Jesus, I have learnt compassion, love and how to be a friend. I have become a person who can feel and not be embarrassed to feel. I have come to realise that my worldview was so warped and my view of the world, of career, of family is changing to be shaped by God's views. Honestly, following Jesus has changed who I am so fundamentally and I am so different from who I was ten years ago. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do in the next ten years. I just pray that I can follow Him faithfully until I hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I have never regretted being a Christian. The love and the warmth from my Father is overwhelming. Thank you Jesus for counting me worthy and choosing me!