A Pharisee invites Jesus to his home. He treats Jesus rudely – neither giving him water to wash his feet or even giving a proper greeting. Then comes this woman. We know little about her – only that she was a sinner. She had a reputation – and not a good one. Somewhere, somehow we must surmise that she had crossed paths with Jesus. She had heard him speak of repentance and forgiveness. She had found mercy and love and grace. And so now she comes. Risking the ridicule and hostility of those at the Pharisee’s house, she comes. She begins to weep at Jesus’ feet. She begins to anoint his feet with ointment. She begins to wash his dirty feet with her hair, and kiss his feet. Here is an incredible example of humble gratitude toward God.
Do we remember our past sins? Can we see our continued failures to follow the Lord? Are we still amazed at his mercy and love and grace in our lives?
Everything we have talked about this week in past posts – humble submission, humble worship, humble service, and humble giving will quickly become a chore, a duty, a struggle – unless it is motivated by a humble gratitude to God for all that he has done for sinners like us.
What motivates us? Why do we do what we do? Are we trying to earn God’s favor? Earn our way into heaven? Trying to impress God? Impress others? All of this is so much foolishness and will wear us out in the trying.
Jesus died for our sins. He loves us in spite of our rebellion. In humble gratitude may we give ourselves to God…like this sinful woman did.
Brian J. Mikul 