As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping,Jesus reclined at Simon the Pharisee’s table according to the customary posture for a formal meal, with His feet extended away from the table. The woman approached in humility, remaining behind Him rather than demanding His attention. Her tears revealed grief over sin and faith in the mercy she had sought in Christ. Jhn 11:32 When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet… she began to wet His feet with her tears Washing a guest’s feet was an act of hospitality ordinarily performed by a servant because roads were dusty and sandals left feet exposed. The woman’s tears became the water Simon had not supplied, displaying repentance that did not remain hidden or merely verbal. Her sorrow was joined to confidence that Jesus could forgive and cleanse her. Psa 6:6 I am weary from groaning; all night I flood… and wipe them with her hair. By loosening her hair and using it to dry Jesus’ feet, she disregarded the shame such public conduct could bring. She humbled herself before the One she recognized as worthy of her whole devotion. Her actions stood in sharp contrast to Simon’s restrained and incomplete welcome of Jesus. Jhn 11:2 (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint… Then she kissed His feet Her repeated kisses expressed reverence, gratitude, and submission. She came not to defend her past but to honor the Savior whose forgiveness gave her peace. Jesus later affirmed that her love flowed from the great forgiveness she had received. Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish… and anointed them with the perfume. The costly perfume, brought in an alabaster jar, was an offering of personal value poured out for Christ. Anointing honored Him as God’s chosen King and showed that nothing she possessed was too precious for Him. Her worship anticipated the devotion shown to Jesus by others as His death approached, while also exposing the poverty of outward religion without love. Mat 26:7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar… Persons / Places / Events 1. The WomanKnown as a sinner in the city, she demonstrates profound repentance and love for Jesus by her actions. Her identity is not specified, but her actions speak volumes about her heart's transformation. 2. Jesus The central figure in this event, Jesus is the recipient of the woman's acts of devotion. His response to her actions highlights His compassion and authority to forgive sins. 3. Simon the Pharisee The host of the gathering where this event takes place. His internal judgment of the woman and Jesus provides a contrast to the woman's humility and Jesus' grace. 4. The House of Simon The setting for this event, a place of social gathering and religious discussion, which becomes a stage for a powerful demonstration of grace and forgiveness. 5. The Perfume A costly item used by the woman to anoint Jesus' feet, symbolizing her sacrificial love and devotion. Teaching Points Repentance and HumilityThe woman's actions are a profound display of repentance and humility. Her willingness to weep and use her hair to wipe Jesus' feet shows a heart fully surrendered to God. Extravagant Worship The use of expensive perfume signifies the value of worship that costs us something. True worship often involves sacrifice and a heart fully devoted to God. Jesus' Compassion and Forgiveness Jesus' acceptance of the woman's actions and His subsequent forgiveness highlight His compassion and authority to forgive sins. This teaches us about the boundless grace available to all who come to Him in faith. Judgment vs. Grace Simon's judgmental attitude contrasts with Jesus' grace. This reminds us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others, especially those who are seeking redemption. The Power of a Transformed Life The woman's actions demonstrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Her life becomes a testimony of grace and forgiveness, encouraging us to live out our faith boldly. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the woman's approach to Jesus challenge our understanding of repentance and humility in our own lives?2. In what ways can we offer extravagant worship to God in our daily lives, similar to the woman's use of perfume? 3. How does Jesus' response to the woman encourage us to extend grace and forgiveness to others? 4. What can we learn from Simon the Pharisee's attitude, and how can we guard against similar judgmental tendencies in our own hearts? 5. How does this passage inspire us to live out a transformed life that bears witness to the grace and forgiveness we have received in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 26:6-13This passage describes a similar event where a woman anoints Jesus with perfume, highlighting the theme of sacrificial love and devotion. John 12:1-8 Another account of a woman anointing Jesus, emphasizing the value of worship and the preparation for Jesus' burial. Psalm 51 David's psalm of repentance connects with the woman's actions as an expression of a contrite heart seeking forgiveness. Isaiah 61:1-3 This passage speaks of the Messiah's mission to bind up the brokenhearted, which is exemplified in Jesus' interaction with the woman. People Jesus, John, SimonPlaces Capernaum, Galilee, Judea, NainTopics Anointed, Anointing, Behind, Beside, Close, Drops, Dry, Hair, Hairs, Kept, Kissed, Kissing, Lovingly, Myrrh, Ointment, Perfume, Poured, Standing, Stood, Tears, Wash, Washed, Weeping, Wet, Wipe, Wiped, WipingDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 7:38 5155 hair 6237 sexual sin, nature of 6188 immorality, sexual 7552 Pharisees, attitudes to Christ 6025 sin, and God's character 2012 Christ, authority Library June 10 EveningAs Christ forgave you, so also do ye.--COL. 3:13. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.--I forgave thee all that debt; shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path Greatness in the Kingdom Thwarting God's Purpose A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber Worthy-Not Worthy Go into Peace Jesus at the Bier John's Doubts and Christ's Praise The Two Debtors Forgiveness and Love. On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 2, Etc. ; on the Three Dead Persons whom the Lord Raised. On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who was in the City, a Sinner," Etc. On the Remission of Sins, On Dress Saving Faith A Gracious Dismissal Go in Peace Liii. The Contemplation of Death. Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection. Justifying or Sanctifying Grace Jesus Raises the Widow's Son. Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death. The Woman which was a Sinner Links Luke 7:38 NIVLuke 7:38 NLT Luke 7:38 ESV Luke 7:38 NASB Luke 7:38 KJV Luke 7:38 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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