Compare Luke 7:46 with Psalm 23:5. What similarities do you find? Opening Scripture Snapshots • Luke 7:46: “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.” • Psalm 23:5: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Shared Symbol: Anointing with Oil • In both verses, anointing the head marks honor, blessing, and acceptance. • Old-covenant background: kings and priests were anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). • New-covenant fulfillment: Jesus receives lavish devotion (John 12:3) and Himself is the Anointed One (Acts 10:38). Hospitality and Honor in Both Passages • Psalm 23 pictures the LORD as host, laying out a table and personally anointing the guest. • Luke 7 contrasts a negligent human host with a repentant woman who provides the proper welcome. • Shared lesson: true honor flows from a loving heart, not mere social custom. Lavish Provision and Overflowing Grace • “My cup overflows” (Psalm 23) mirrors the woman’s extravagant perfume in Luke 7—both speak of abundance beyond duty. • God’s generosity to us inspires generous response toward Him (2 Corinthians 2:14). Response to the Host’s Failure vs. God’s Perfect Hosting • Simon withheld oil; the LORD never withholds. • The woman’s act corrects Simon’s omission, while Psalm 23 shows the Shepherd-Host providing every need. • Both passages highlight the contrast between human inadequacy and divine sufficiency. Possible Applications for Today • Welcome Christ with wholehearted devotion, not half-hearted ritual. • Extend gracious hospitality to others as a reflection of the Shepherd’s care. • Live in the overflow—receiving God’s abundant grace and pouring it out in honor to Him and service to people. |
    |