Jesus Praises the Woman at His Feet
Have you seen the 3 minute introduction video on the home page of http://GodIsJustLikeJesus.com ?
Now… onto today’s post.
Here is an interesting event that you may not have connected with Jesus’ ability to praise imperfect people. In Luke 7 Jesus goes to dinner at Simon the Pharisee’s house. Other Pharisees and Jewish leaders are there. Simon and the others aren’t welcoming Jesus at all. Suffice to say that they are not “fans” of Jesus. They don’t give him water for His dry feet, nor a kiss of greeting, nor oil for His dry sun-parched head.
A woman who is referred to as having a “sinful” life (the reference being that she probably slept around a lot) brings a jar of perfume (much like Mary of John 12). She stands behind Jesus as He is reclining at the table talking and eating with these Jewish leaders. She begins weeping and then she uses her tears and hair to clean and refresh His feet.
It is a wonderful picture of the invisible Holy Spirit washing this woman from her sins and struggles as she adoringly cleanses Jesus’ feet with her tears. How He loves to forgive us and extend kindness to regular humans!
After weeping at His feet she kisses them and pours oil over them, lovingly working it in. The Pharisee is scandalized! Indeed, many modern people today would be as well. Can you imagine the intimacy, the forgiveness, the emotional nakedness? What about all these leaders staring at the situation thinking accusing thoughts like Simon’s, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she it – that she is a sinner.”
Jesus is unmoved – He is a rock.
He goes on to tell them a parable about two men forgiven debts of different sums of money. They conclude that the man forgiven the most would love the most. Jesus then does a remarkable thing. You can miss it if you are not looking for “how Jesus relates to people.” It reveals His character. Jesus turns away from the important leaders, turns to the woman and begins praising her! Truly, it is stunning! “You were not very kind to me when I came into your home, but this woman has greeted me wonderfully! She has loved much and therefore is forgiven much!” (my paraphrase).
Isn’t that a huge compliment from God Himself? Jesus says, “She has loved much!” Wow, wouldn’t you like Jesus to say that about you?
Then Jesus goes on, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Another huge compliment on one of Jesus’ top values… faith in Him! Jesus is basically saying, “Your faith in Me and my goodness has saved you from your sins.” This is high praise on the central issue in life that Jesus is concerned about.
When you break it down you see Jesus’ praise for this woman on a number of levels.
Thinking over our posts, we have seen Jesus praise Peter for hearing from the Father, He praises Nathanael for his honesty, He praises Mary for her focus on Him and He praises the poor widow woman who gave a few pennies into the offering box.
Jesus praises imperfect people.
Since God is just like Jesus (John 14:9) this reveals that the God of the Universe is praising us as we respond to Him!