The 3 Overlooked Stories of Jesus That Will Change Your Faith
The 3 Overlooked Stories of Jesus That Will Change Your Faith
When we think of Jesus’ ministry, certain stories immediately come to mind: the feeding of the 5,000, the healing of the blind man, the raising of Lazarus. These miracles and teachings are foundational to our faith. But tucked within the Gospels are lesser-known stories—small moments that carry profound truths, often overlooked in sermons and Bible studies.
These overlooked stories reveal a side of Jesus that challenges our assumptions, deepens our understanding of His character, and transforms how we live out our faith. Here are three hidden gems from the life of Christ that might just change the way you see Him—and yourself.
1. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet (Luke 7:36-50)
The Scene
Jesus is invited to dinner at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. The table is set, the guests are reclining, and the conversation is flowing. Then, unexpectedly, an uninvited guest enters—a woman known in the town as a "sinner."
Without a word, she kneels behind Jesus, weeping. Her tears fall onto His feet, and she wipes them away with her hair. Then she breaks open an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and anoints His feet.
The Shock
Simon, the Pharisee, is appalled. "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." (Luke 7:39)
But Jesus knows exactly what Simon is thinking—and He responds with a story.
The Parable
Jesus tells of two debtors: one who owes 500 denarii, another who owes 50. The creditor forgives both. "Which of them will love him more?" Jesus asks.
Simon answers, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven."
Jesus turns to the woman. "Do you see this woman?" He asks Simon. "Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 7:47)
Why This Changes Your Faith
This story flips religious pride on its head. Simon, the "righteous" Pharisee, judges the woman but fails to see his own need for grace. Meanwhile, the woman—broken, repentant, and full of love—experiences Jesus’ forgiveness in a way Simon never does.
Takeaway: Jesus isn’t impressed by religious performance. He’s moved by raw, humble love. The more we recognize our own brokenness, the more we’ll love Him—and others—without restraint.
2. The Syrophoenician Woman’s Bold Faith (Mark 7:24-30)
The Scene
Jesus travels to the region of Tyre, a Gentile territory. A Syrophoenician woman—a non-Jew—hears He’s there and comes begging for help. Her daughter is possessed by an evil spirit.
She falls at Jesus’ feet and pleads for mercy.
The Surprising Response
Jesus’ answer seems harsh: "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs." (Mark 7:27)
In Jewish culture, "dogs" was a derogatory term for Gentiles. Was Jesus rejecting her? Testing her?
Her Unshakable Faith
Instead of being offended, the woman responds with humility and wit: "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs."
Jesus is moved. "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."
Why This Changes Your Faith
At first glance, Jesus’ words seem exclusionary. But His interaction with this woman reveals something radical: faith transcends ethnicity, religion, and social status.
The woman doesn’t argue theology. She doesn’t demand rights. She simply trusts that even the "crumbs" of Jesus’ power are enough. And Jesus honors her bold, persistent faith.
Takeaway: God’s grace isn’t limited to the "right" people. Sometimes, those outside the religious establishment have the most audacious faith—and Jesus rewards it.
3. The Healing of the High Priest’s Servant (Luke 22:49-51)
The Scene
It’s the night of Jesus’ arrest. The soldiers approach, and Peter, in a burst of misguided bravery, draws his sword and slashes off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus.
Jesus’ Unexpected Move
Instead of fleeing or fighting, Jesus reaches out—and heals the enemy.
"No more of this!" He says. Then He touches the man’s ear and restores it. (Luke 22:51)
The Irony
This servant belonged to Caiaphas, the high priest who would soon condemn Jesus to death. Yet, in the moment of betrayal, Jesus shows compassion to one of the very men coming to arrest Him.
Why This Changes Your Faith
This is perhaps the most overlooked miracle in the Gospels—and the most countercultural. Jesus doesn’t just preach love for enemies; He demonstrates it in the darkest hour.
While the disciples want to fight, Jesus heals. While the world expects retaliation, He offers grace.
Takeaway: True discipleship isn’t about defending our rights or seeking revenge. It’s about loving—even when it costs us everything.
Final Thought: Why These Stories Matter
These three overlooked stories reveal a Jesus who:
Values love over religiosity (The Sinful Woman)
Rewards bold faith, even from outsiders (The Syrophoenician Woman)
Loves His enemies in the moment of betrayal (Malchus’ Healing)
We often prefer a Jesus who fits our expectations—miraculous, powerful, and affirming. But these stories show us a Messiah who disrupts our assumptions, challenges our pride, and calls us to a deeper, riskier faith.
So the next time you read the Gospels, look for the hidden moments. Because sometimes, the smallest stories carry the biggest truths.
Which of these stories impacted you the most? Share in the comments!