How does the woman's act in Luke 7:38 reflect true worship and love for Jesus? Setting the Scene • Jesus is dining in the Pharisee Simon’s home (Luke 7:36). • A woman “who had lived a sinful life” enters uninvited, bringing an alabaster jar of perfume (v. 37). • Verse 38 records her response to Jesus in vivid, physical detail. What the Woman Did • “She stood behind Him at His feet weeping” — open, public repentance. • “She began to wet His feet with her tears” — sorrow over sin, not self-pity. • “She wiped them with her hair” — radical humility; a woman’s hair was her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15). • “She kissed His feet” — affectionate devotion; “kiss” translates continuous action. • “She anointed them with the perfume” — costly sacrifice (jar worth a laborer’s annual wage, cf. Mark 14:5). Why These Actions Matter • True worship springs from heartfelt repentance (Psalm 51:17). • Love for Jesus moves a believer to break cultural norms without shame (2 Samuel 6:22). • Genuine worship is bodily as well as inward (Romans 12:1). • She honors Jesus as Messiah—only kings and priests were anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). • Her costly gift pictures the fragrance of surrendered lives (2 Corinthians 2:15). Old Testament Echoes • Tears at God’s feet echo the posture of penitents before the LORD (Joel 2:12-13). • Anointing recalls Psalm 23:5, “You anoint my head with oil,” foregrounding Jesus as Shepherd-King. Contrast With Simon • Simon offers no water, kiss, or oil (Luke 7:44-46). • Religion without love stays cold; love without religion led the woman to Jesus. • Jesus’ verdict: “Her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much” (v. 47). Marks of Genuine Worship Today • Brokenness over sin, not mere ritual. • Humility that lays aside personal glory. • Affectionate intimacy with Christ—expressed, not hidden. • Sacrificial giving that costs something tangible. • Public identification with Jesus regardless of social risk. Living It Out • Sit at His feet daily, like Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:39). • Let remembered forgiveness fuel fresh love (Revelation 2:4-5). • Offer time, resources, talents as sweet perfume. • Keep the posture of the woman: tear-washed, hair-wiping, perfume-pouring gratitude until He comes. |
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