August 2, 2008
I Beg Your Pardon
Winning the Lord’s Favor Without a Word: The Sinful Woman
“When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume …” (Like 7:37 )
Another bad girl without a name. This shady lady is variously referred to as “the sinful woman,” “the woman who anointed Jesus,” or “the woman with the alabaster jar.” The minute she heard about the banquet in progress, she quickly located the one item most precious to her and made tracks for Simon’s place. But she wasn’t wearing any perfume. She was carrying it.
“And 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 she poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:38 ) She could not move, could not speak for all her anguished weeping. The tears of a harlot, held back in anger from years on the street were suddenly released and spilled out like perfume, leaving her vulnerable, exposed, repentant, not caring who saw her or what they thought other. She didn’t try to stop herself from weeping. Extravagantly, yet with purpose, she poured the contents of her precious alabaster jar over his feet.
“Do you see this woman?” (Luke 7:44 ) Simon had seen her, but only for what she was, not for who she was. “I came into your house. You did not …, but she …” (Luke 7:44 ) A woman who embodied everything the Pharisee hated … shattered the mold of how worship was to be done — passionately, personally, and with humble abandon. By pointing out the things she did right and the things Simon should have done, Jesus managed to affirm her and admonish him at the same time, without stripping either one of dignity. He let the contrast of their action speak for themselves. Jesus took every opportunity to remind religious leaders of their hypocrisy.
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven — for she loved much.” (Luke 4:47 ) Jesus knew everything about this quiet worshiper. Without a word, she expressed repentance. Without a sound, she cried out for forgiveness. Without a syllable, she spelled out the desire of her heart: to love him. Her actions said it all.
For the depth of God’s forgiveness, it’s more than you can see. / And in spite of what you think of her, she’s Beautiful to Me.”
When I sit in church feeling disconnected and out of tune with the music, the elements of worship, it’s easy to blame. I am not willing to confess my sins so that true worship can begin. I have forgotten how much I have already been forgiven so that my gratitude can flow in ceaseless praise. Quite simply, my love has grown cold. Worship is about rekindling an ashen heart into a blazing fire.
She came asking for nothing, concerned only with giving him glory, honor, and praise the only way she knew how. Seek Him openly. Abandon self humbly. Worship Him completely. Embrace His forgiveness joyfully.
“Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48 ) Finally, he spoke directly to her. Forgiveness is always personal. He died for the sins of the whole world, but forgiveness comes to each of us individually when we demonstrate our readiness to accept it.
“Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” (Luke 7:50) It was not her love that saved her. It was her faith in His power to forgive her. It was her faith in His steadfast love for her. And it was her faith expressed in actions, not words. This women teaches us without speaking one syllable.
