Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. – Luke 7:39
And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace… – Luke 18:39
The woman’s faith, and the blind man’s faith, was alike in defying and conquering opposition. Little do we know the inward struggles of the penitent as she crossed the threshold of Simon’s house. “He will repel thee,” the stern, cold Pharisee will say, “Get thee gone, thou strumpet; how darest thou defile the doors of honest men.” But whatever may happen she passes through the door, she comes to where the feet of the Saviour are stretched out towards the entrance as He is reclining at the table, and there she stands. Simon glanced at her: he thought the glance would wither her, but her love to Christ was too well rooted to be withered by him…Her Lord was there, and she felt safe. Timid as a dove, she trembled not while He was near; but she returned no defiant glances for Simon’s haughty looks; her eyes were occupied with weeping…Her Lord, her Lord, was all to her. She overcame through faith in Him, and held her ground, and did not leave the house till He dismissed her with “Go in peace.”
It was the same with the blind man. He said, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” They cried, “Hush! Why these clamours, blind beggar? His eloquence is music; do not interrupt Him. Never man spake as He is speaking. Every tone rings like the harps of the angels. Hush! How darest thou spoil His discourse?” But over and above them all went up the importunate prayer, “Son of David, have mercy upon me,” and he prevailed. All true faith is opposed…faith must wage war for its existence.
He Hath Said 