36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "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."
What a scene! Invited to dine with a Pharisee named Simon, Jesus goes and is reclining at the table. For special dinner parties recliners or couches were often provided for the guests to use while eating (Bible Knowledge Commentary). Enter the “sinful” woman. Evidently, her fame was widespread as Simon knew she was a “sinner” – and so did our Lord. Interestingly, Luke tells us his name but not hers focusing our attention on her actions not her person. It was customary for the host of a dinner party to provide for his guests’ feet to be washed before the meal. In that day, roads were dusty and shoes were sandals causing the feet to become dirty or muddy yet Simon had not offered Jesus this kindness - quite possibly an indication of his feelings of superiority. An uninvited sinful woman comes to Jesus’ aid. As a sign of humility, respect, submission and affection, this woman stood behind Jesus weeping and wetting His feet with her tears, wiping them off with her hair and continually kissing them. Scripture does not tell us why. She may have been seeking repentance; she may have been overjoyed to be in the presence of the Messiah; she may have seen Him as her only hope. Whatever the reason, her demonstration of love toward our Savior is commendable. Taking what more than likely was one of her most valuable possessions, she breaks open the jar of alabaster and pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. The fragrance of an acceptable sacrifice fills the room. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians:18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:18-19 (NIV) Our sacrifices never go unnoticed by our God. Remember that. Paul writes in Philippians 2: 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Phil 2:17-18 (NIV)
What we do for others in Jesus’ name we do for Him. Quite frankly, that makes it easier for me to serve “sinful” man. I attempt, though oftentimes fail, to envision Jesus’ face on others and treat them as I would my Lord. Not an easy task but one that we are called to. Again, Paul so eloquently states in Philippians: 1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Phil 2:1-5 (NIV)
In our “have it your way” society, humility, selflessness and sacrifice have almost become extinct! Acts of service with no ulterior motive except to please our Lord would indeed allow us to “shine like stars in the universe”! It is always important for us to check our motives – striving for a clean and pure heart. Even when our actions are misunderstood by others – God knows and that is good enough for me! This sweet lady honored our Lord through her actions appearing to not notice anyone else in the room – even the snide glances of Simon. Purest love demonstrated through a “sinner” such as us! May we strive to appreciate and love our Lord that much!