As Jesus crossed the threshold, he heard the subtle murmurings of the other guests. He’s here–the Teacher. Curious gazes followed him as he joined the others at the table.
Simon’s home was well-appointed. A respected Pharisee, he had more wealth than most and displayed it with pride. The table was lavishly spread with the best meats and delicacies money could buy while servants attended to the needs of those who had been invited–the educated, influential, and important.
Why had Jesus been invited? By this time his ministry had impacted the blind….the lame…and the deaf. Crowds of broken, needy people trailed after him–hoping he would pause long enough to restore their aching hearts and bodies. And the Pharisees sensed that this humble carpenter’s son had potential–the potential to strip them of prominence, prestige, and power. Simon wanted to spend time with the impoverished babe-turned-prophet. Were the stories true? Could he be a prophet? Was he a threat?
Watching Jesus carefully, Simon was considering these matters as his honored guest reclined at the table. Suddenly, a hush fell over the room as an uninvited woman–the worst kind of woman–approached the Teacher’s feet. Respectable people shunned her…mocked her…treated her as less than human. Still…she stood near him–her clothing and makeup a testament to lewd living. But, it wasn’t the woman’s appearance that drew notice today. It was her bold humility. Desperate sounds of regret burst from lungs that had only breathed in pain and tears flowed as freely as the contents she poured over the Master’s feet.
With nothing to dry the evidence of her sacrifice, the woman did the unthinkable. Bowing her head in shame, the woman loosened her hair and brushed the perfume from the Teacher’s feet. Her lavish demonstration drew gasps of disapproval from the crowd…but from Christ? Merely the words she had yearned to hear. “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)
Neither low position nor social expectations influenced Christ’s attitude toward this woman–a portrait of His grace. His mercy and love for those who humbly trust him stung Simon and is a reminder for us today. Oh, that we would love like Jesus!
Verses for Reflection
Luke 7:38-50, 1 Samuel 16:3