This scene from the New Testament tells the story of a dinner engagement with an
unusual twist. Simon, a Pharisee (Jewish religious leader) has invited Jesus to dinner at
his home.
At some point during the visit, a woman of less than pristine reputation enters the house.
The woman is obviously very distraught and weeping. At first she stands behind Jesus
crying contritely, then she kneels at his feet and begins to kiss them while anointing
them with a costly, fragrant balm. Her tears fall copiously on his feet, which she dries
with her hair.
The Pharisee is aghast at this display of lavish affection. Whether jealousy is a part of
his response we are not told, but it is revealed that he finds the woman's actions
inappropriate because of who and what she is. Just as revealing is the Lord Jesus
Christ's gracious acceptance of this woman and her worship in spite of who and what
she is.
Jesus knows exactly what is going through his hosts' mind, and responds by telling him a
parable about two debtors. The moral of the story is that the person who has been
forgiven the most is the one that will love (the Forgiver) the most. He then tells the
woman to go in peace...her sins are forgiven.
But he also demonstrates during this encounter that he (Jesus) is God - because He is
worthy of the worship that belongs only to God, and because he has the power to forgive
sin - something only God can do!
But don't take my word for it!! Read it for yourself in the
Book of Luke
Chapter 7, verses 36-50
King James Version.
unusual twist. Simon, a Pharisee (Jewish religious leader) has invited Jesus to dinner at
his home.
At some point during the visit, a woman of less than pristine reputation enters the house.
The woman is obviously very distraught and weeping. At first she stands behind Jesus
crying contritely, then she kneels at his feet and begins to kiss them while anointing
them with a costly, fragrant balm. Her tears fall copiously on his feet, which she dries
with her hair.
The Pharisee is aghast at this display of lavish affection. Whether jealousy is a part of
his response we are not told, but it is revealed that he finds the woman's actions
inappropriate because of who and what she is. Just as revealing is the Lord Jesus
Christ's gracious acceptance of this woman and her worship in spite of who and what
she is.
Jesus knows exactly what is going through his hosts' mind, and responds by telling him a
parable about two debtors. The moral of the story is that the person who has been
forgiven the most is the one that will love (the Forgiver) the most. He then tells the
woman to go in peace...her sins are forgiven.
But he also demonstrates during this encounter that he (Jesus) is God - because He is
worthy of the worship that belongs only to God, and because he has the power to forgive
sin - something only God can do!
But don't take my word for it!! Read it for yourself in the
Book of Luke
Chapter 7, verses 36-50
King James Version.
| 36 x 48 Gouache, acrylic, and pencil on canvas |
Lavish Worship |
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