by Teresa Gulbrandsen

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 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. 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.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” – Luke 7: 36-39 NIV

What a beautiful setting the passage above illustrates leading up to the climax of the verse. The table is laden with the finest of delectable foods. After all, this feast took place in the home of a Pharisee. The dining experience likely included bread, figs, olive oil, dates, pomegranates, persimmons, grapes, wild greens, fish, honey, legumes, and wine diluted with water as explained by Dr. Tova Dickstein, curator of the Botanical Garden at Neor Kedumim in Israel. Foods That Jesus Likely Ate, According To A Historian.

Upon further research of the evening meal in the time of Jesus, I learned that as the sun set, the room would glow with soft hues of flickering light. When it was dark enough to light a lamp, it would be set high enough to illuminate everything around—on a shelf in the stone wall of the home or on a wooden lampstand in the center of the room, allowing 360-degree illumination. 29. Lamps Belong on Lampstands (Luke 8:16-21).  Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the above scene. The hushed voices, soft lamp light, fragrant aroma, sweet grapes from the vine, the passing of the bread. Indeed, it would be a delightful experience for the five senses.

No doubt, the townspeople were talking about Jesus’ invitation to dine with the Pharisee. We know little about the woman in the verses above except that she was from the town and had lived a sinful life. I found various commentary and analysis about what ensues immediately after this verse; the conversation Jesus has with the Pharisee. However, I would like to park the discussion right here. “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” – Luke 7: 39 NIV

One can speculate what the woman’s “sinful life” entailed. But before we readers get too arrogant, and self-righteous we would do well to reflect on John 8:7, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” We may also reflect on Romans 3:23 NIV, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

How did the woman learn of this dinner meeting? I ponder what transpired in the period of time between the woman’s discovery of this dinner meeting and her decision to bring the precious alabaster jar of perfume to the gathering. Had she been praying for an answer to her brokenness? Had she heard Jesus speak, or was she privy to others that had encountered him? What was the catalyst that convinced her that this man, this Jesus, was the Truth, and the answer to her long-suffering prayers.

She enters the party uninvited, she “crashes the party” and stands behind Jesus weeping. Scripture tells us that Jesus does not appear uncomfortable by her actions but gently allows her to proceed. The woman kneels with reverence and hope. Undoubtedly, she comprehends what the Pharisees and townspeople think of her. Before Jesus she had little hope of being forgiven or receiving new life. Lovingly, she surrenders her grievous life to her Savior. He, Jesus is the answer to her prayers.

At Jesus’ feet, she finds forgiveness, acceptance, identity, new life. How beautiful this exchange is as she covers his feet with her tears, symbolic of washing away dirt, shame, and hopelessness. Gently she wipes her tears with her hair, kisses his feet, and then continues to anoint Jesus’ feet with the fragrant perfume from her alabaster jar. This selfless act unknowingly offers up a sweet fragrance to God and as Jesus says to the Pharisee in Luke: 7:47 NIV, “Her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown.” Jesus knows this woman’s heart. He accepts and proclaims to the Pharisee of her great love for Him.

When did we last seek out Jesus and sit at his feet in reverence, asking for forgiveness and mercy? When did we last offer our own “alabaster jar,” our best gifts to him? Precious gifts of our resources such as time, money, service, fellowship, and love to our Savior and others. Have we sought out Jesus, like the woman above, desperate for his acceptance and love? Jesus forgives the woman’s sins and then tells her that her faith has saved her, and that she may go in peace. Luke: 7:48, 50 NIV.

Hallelujah! The woman’s sins are forgiven; she may go in peace! She may go with the realization that she is loved by her Savior, Christ the Lord. A sinful woman receives an immeasurable gift of mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and love from Christ the Lord. There is hope for all who come to Him. Bring your sin, your brokenness, your heartache to the feet of Jesus. Will you surrender your life and seek Him out today?