What Old Testament teachings align with the actions seen in Luke 7:44? Luke 7:44—The Moment in Focus “Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you did not give Me water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.’” Hospitality and Foot-Washing: Old Testament Foundations • Genesis 18:4—Abraham to the three visitors: “Let a little water be brought, and you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.” • Genesis 19:2—Lot to the angels: “Please… spend the night… and wash your feet.” • Genesis 24:32—Abraham’s servant receives water to wash his feet upon entering Laban’s household. • Judges 19:21—The Ephraimite host washes the traveler’s feet. • 1 Samuel 25:41—Abigail: “Here is your maidservant, ready to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” These passages establish foot-washing as a normal, respectful act of hospitality—expected when welcoming honored guests. Simon neglected it; the woman supplied it. Weeping as Genuine Repentance • Psalm 6:6—“I am weary from my groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping.” • Psalm 51:17—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • 2 Chronicles 34:27—Because King Josiah “wept before Me, I have heard you, declares the LORD.” • Joel 2:12-13—“Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning… for He is gracious and compassionate.” The woman’s tears echo the Old Testament pattern: heartfelt sorrow over sin moves God. Humility Expressed through Self-Abasement • Isaiah 57:15—The LORD dwells “with the contrite and humble in spirit.” • Proverbs 15:33—“Humility comes before honor.” • Micah 6:8—“Walk humbly with your God.” By using her own hair—her glory (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:15)—to wipe dusty feet, she embodies Old Testament humility. Honoring God’s Anointed with Oil (context of Luke 7:46) • Psalm 23:5—“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” • Psalm 133:2—“It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, on Aaron’s beard.” • 2 Samuel 12:20—David anoints himself in worship after repentance. Though Simon withheld oil, the woman’s fragrant ointment aligns with the biblical practice of honoring and blessing the one God has chosen. Summing Up the Connections The woman’s actions in Luke 7:44 are not random displays of emotion; they echo rich Old Testament teachings: • Provide water for feet—an expected courtesy to guests. • Offer humble service—lowering oneself to elevate another. • Pour out tears—visible, acceptable evidence of repentance. • Bless with costly perfume—honoring the Lord’s anointed. Jesus affirms her because every gesture resonates with Scripture’s longstanding call to hospitality, humility, repentance, and honor toward God. |
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