“When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 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.” Luke 7.36-38
It always amazes me the people who have access to Jesus in the New Testament. Essentially, it is everyone—from the religious elite to the destitute outcasts. From the Pharisees to the woman I am assuming is a prostitute in this Scripture. All people have access to God. Jesus is approachable to all, but not everyone who comes to Him believes. Some approach to protest His works and teachings, while others, like we will see here, come in utter destitution to a God who welcomes everyone in.
In this passage, Luke refers to this woman as one “who lived a sinful life.” This is not the type of person who could typically have access to a “holy man.” No way in heck would the Pharisees be caught dead talking to this woman, much less allowing her into the house and at such close proximity to them while reclining at a table for a meal.
The feel of intimacy and vulnerability in this moment is profound. Jesus is relaxed, eating, conversing, teaching. A woman comes in, and He does not rebuke her, He does not jump up in disgust, He does not hide in fear. Jesus remains right where He is, and in doing so speaks volumes—not only to this sinful woman but to each of us who have been or are lost in our sin. Jesus is available to all. The message: if you are willing to come to Jesus, He will not run away; He will welcome you in.
The woman stands first, behind Him at His feet, weeping. Then His feet begin to get wet from her tears; then, seeing that Jesus was receptive to her repentance, she kneels, wipes His feet with her hair, kisses His feet, and pours perfume on them. Talk about an intimate, vulnerable, lay-it-all-on-the-line moment. It’s her confession. We are witnessing conversion, redemption, and repentance right before our eyes. The transformation from a sinner to a saint without a word being said by the Master. There is no need for words. He knows her heart and welcomes her freely, as He welcomes all sinners at His feet.
As I reflect upon my own life, I can put myself in the place of that woman. When I have been in my sin, weeping before the Lord on multiple occasions at several times over the course of my life—moments of confession and surrender. Moving through the grief of my egregious sin into a place of receptive grace from Jesus, the good, kind, and loving Savior.
Have you found yourself at Jesus’ feet? Perhaps, like this woman, you discover your need for saving. You realize your distance from God, and the moment you turn to Him, you find Him more than willing to receive you into His care and concern. An immediate child of God. Conversion right before your eyes. Salvation awakened in you.
Perhaps today is the day to return and repent. To come to Jesus, confess your sins, and admit your need for a Savior. He is more than willing. He is ready to receive.
“O Lord, You welcome all people to Your throne. You invite us to sit at the foot of Your cross. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with love and compassion. Help us know You more and to rest in Your grace. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.