Dinner at Simon's House - Pt 2

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:36-40 ESV).

Today we will look at a similar passage to that of yesterday. They do not report the same event. However, the two women exhibit the same principle of love and devotion that can only result in a genuine understanding of the great gift of grace Jesus proffers through his sacrificial death and resurrection. Now we are in Simon the Pharisee’s home. It was a great honor and distinction to have Jesus for dinner. He was the Holy One of Israel (cf. Isaiah 54:5); the prophet that Moses had foretold would come (cf. Deuteronomy 18:15); and, as John would later declare, this was the Lord of glory, the Resurrection and the Life (cf. John 11:25). This great prophet, healer, and teacher was speaking with him face to face. The great climactic moment of history he claimed to be living for had arrived. It should have been a deliriously wonderful, breathtaking honor for Simon to host the Messiah. But Simon was not amazed. As he looked at Jesus, all he saw was a dusty Nazarene whose claims could be interpreted as, well, delusional. And Jesus’ feet were still dirty. Offering foot washing to guests had been a deeply ingrained custom for Near Eastern peoples for thousands of years. To not offer it was to dishonor one’s guest. It’s not likely that Simon simply forgot. But Jesus showed no sign of offense. And with the meal on the table, superficial pleasantries were exchanged. A few polite questions were asked. Suddenly all eyes facing Jesus were filled with confused concern, focused toward his feet. Jesus looked back. A woman was standing near him, clearly not part of the household. She was looking intensely at him, cradling a small jar in her hands. She began to sob and dropped to her knees. And as her tears flowed, she leaned over and let them drop on Jesus’ soiled feet and wiped them off, along with the dirt, with her hair. Then she kissed Jesus’ feet. Gasps and murmurs were heard around the table. This woman had a reputation known to all the local guests. It was improper even to speak openly about what had given her this reputation. She was simply called a “sinner.” Everyone knew what was packed into that word. Simon’s reaction was so different than this act of love and sacrifice. He was judgmental and self-righteous. The woman, on the other hand, was humble and grateful. The Apostle Paul helps us understand why: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). She didn’t do this kindness to gain anything. She simply expressed her deep gratitude for what Jesus was already doing in her life. That is genuine relationship. That brings freedom. We are that “sinner.” Jesus is that Savior! Come to him today!