Over the last several days, I have been drawn to the story in Luke chapter 7, a story titled, “A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet.”
Most of us have read the story multiple times.
I recognized this morning as I continued to ponder the story of Sinful Woman, that I have always read and processed the story as an observer instead of imagining that I might, in fact, be Sinful Woman.
The scene opens with a woman entering a room full of self-serving Pharisees who have invited Jesus to their home for dinner. This uninvited woman bears the weight of a stained reputation and carries an expensive alabaster jar of perfume in her hands. It is difficult to grasp the level of courage, strength, and humility she needed—but Jesus is there, and she needs to be where He is.
The Pharisee’s must have been taken aback as tears pour from her eyes, stream down her cheeks, and land on the feet of Jesus. She weeps deeply, for how long we can only guess— but long enough to wet and wash Jesus’ feet with her own tears. That’s a lot of gut-wrenching, I-don’t-care-who’s-watching, shameless tears.
Silent judgment from the Pharisee’s permeates the room as Sinful Woman repeatedly kisses Jesus’ feet and then proceeds to pour the perfume from the alabaster jar on His feet.
Because of her awareness of who she is, a sinner—she can understand who Jesus is, her Savior.
The Pharisees, however, are unable to recognize their great need for Jesus because they are unable to acknowledge the great sinner within themselves.
“Then he (Jesus) turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:44-47)
Our ability to love much or to love little is directly linked to our ability to recognize the truth regarding the sinner within ourselves.
Apostle Paul also understood this truth regarding the Lord’s grace: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (I Timothy 1:15-16)
For several days as this story continues to rewind and replay in my mind, all I can whisper is “My Jesus, my Jesus,” as I attempt to express gratitude for the forgiveness of sins and unmerited gift of salvation I have been given. I no longer believe that Luke shared the story of Sinful Woman for us to read as an observer. When we put our own names in place of “Sinful Woman,” we are more clearly able to recognize the truth of who we are. And by doing so, we are set free to love MUCH as we recognize the beauty of who we are as the righteousness of Christ because of the grace and mercy of Christ.
“Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”” (Luke 7:50)
Stay the Course…
Sheila
