Read Luke 7:36-50
This story tells us several things about the heart of a worshiper. First, that she was a giver – and not just a little to say that she did it, but she gave lavishly. This jar of ointment was worth a year’s wages, plus because of the kind of container it was in she could not just pour a little out – it was all, or nothing. What do you think about that? Should we, who are worshipers of God, give more whole-heartedly? I don’t mean only in monetary giving, but also in time and the many other ways that we could give. What is truly your most treasured possession, and if God asked would you be willing to give it to him?
Second, the story shows that as a worshiper she was a servant. It was a servant’s job to wash and oil the guest’s feet when they came in, especially the guest of honor, and this was not done for Jesus by the host. She came in, washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and then broke the jar of perfume on his feet. She did what the host should have had one of his servant’s do, and in all reality should have done himself. How could we be more of a servant to this church, to our families, and to each other? When do we leave stuff go or not help someone because “surely someone else will do it”?
Third, the story shows that before her Lord, she didn’t care what people thought or said, she focused in her worship only on him and did so extravagantly. She held nothing of herself and her devotion back in the face of sure criticism and condemnation. She wasn’t out to please them, she was out to please HIM. Have you ever offered up worship to God without any thought to what people would think? How much energy do you spend pleasing other people, instead of trying to please God? You know, He is pretty easy to please…just love Him with all your heart, mind, and strength.
Fourth, and most importantly because it sums up all of the other points, the woman shows us the amazing amount of thankfulness and love that she had for her Lord and Savior. The Scripture says that she was a “sinful woman”, but doesn’t specify what her sin is. Most people assume that she is a prostitute, but whatever it is she almost certainly thought that she had no place being before Jesus but also had nothing to lose. She had no reason to believe that Jesus would accept her offering of worship, no reason to believe that he would not look on her with disdain, and certainly had no thought that he would forgive her many sins. All she knew was that she loved him simply for who he was, and that she wanted to express it. I bet that her life was totally changed, that she walked with pride and grace the rest of her life, and that she was a blessing to many people. How often do we walk around with self-pride about how “good” we are, about how “little” we sin? How can you more adequately express your love for Jesus and for His gift of salvation? How can you show the love that you have for Him in your daily life?
I challenge you this week to think about this story, and how you might model your life after this amazing woman.
For further reading: Read the similar story in John 12:1-8, and “Fragrance of Love” by Anne Graham Lotz that was in the Discipleship Journal March/April 2004.
