…she brought an alabaster vial of perfume
Luke 7:36-50 (NASB)

 

An unlikely woman, she had heard of His saving grace and had sought Him, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.  Standing on the outside she hesitated, unsure of herself. Her hands were trembling with fear as she held her alabaster jar and cautiously pushed open the door. So many thoughts were flooding her and the voices of her past echoed in her mind, reminding her of who she was. They stopped her progress and she could not move forward. What would He think of her and how would He respond? Would He speak to her or would He be repulsed and send her away?

She had waited for this moment for a year, saving her hard earned money to buy this exquisite perfume. Money she had earned in the dark. She hung her head; her long hair hid her eyes and the pain that framed her world. She had spent many sleepless nights experiencing the unimaginable, the guilt eating away at her day and night. She felt different from other women and set apart. Her shame had kept her from him, or so she believed. Never feeling good enough, dirty and marred…she stood frozen in fear.

With a step of courage she entered and bending low kneeled before Jesus. She was weeping as she took her alabaster jar filled with the expensive perfume and poured it over His tired, traveler’s feet. Using her tears and long hair, she wiped off the dust, dirt, and grime and kissed His feet. Her humble bending low and sacrifice expressed her great love and devotion for Jesus.

Simon could not see the woman’s worth and was appalled by her history.  She was unclean and did not fit in this community with the other women. How dare she enter into Jesus presence and touch him. Didn’t Jesus know who she was and what she had done in her past? He considered her actions a waste of time and money. The perfume could have been sold and the profit given to the poor.  Simon was uncomfortable with her and what she represented.

Jesus heard his judgmental mutterings and rebuked him for his hardened heart and critical attitude. He reminded Simon that the poor would always be with us and reprimanded him for not showing hospitality.  He had not greeted Jesus with a kiss, offered Him water to clean the dirt off His feet, and shown great devotion by anointing His head with oil.  Jesus had something to say to the self- righteous one.  The woman’s many sins had been forgiven because she loved much.  Her life was redeemable!

The story of a woman that stood on the outside was important and needed to be told. Jesus knew her past and the courage it took her to enter Simon’s home and the room where He was sitting . Jesus understood what it cost her to kneel at his feet. He saw her heart, the love and devotion she poured upon Him.  He dared her to lift her head and look him in the eyes. He did not flinch and look away. What she saw in the pools of His eyes was a depth of compassion and grace that she had never experienced before now. Jesus forgave her many sins because of her great faith and told her to go forward in peace. She would be remembered throughout history for her sacrifice.  Her offering would be a reminder to us that those who have been forgiven much,  will love greatly.  Those that are forgiven little, love sparingly.

We too stand as outcasts today, carrying our shame represented by the alabaster jar.   With courage we give it up to Jesus as an offering, all we have carried, the physical and the emotional pain. Out of love and obedience, we sacrifice our lives and are used by Him. Are we ready for the task He has called us to finish? Are we willing to go where we are uncomfortable, to be vulnerable, and share our stories so that others can witness God’s grace and healing? We bend low, kneel at his feet, and pour out our shame on Him. Jesus looks at us and doesn’t flinch.  He beckons us to keep our eyes locked on Him and trust Him. He in turn whispers the same words to us, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  Luke 7:50 (NASB)  He determines how  our story will be used for His glory.  We have been set a part for a purpose and we go forward in obedience.

Our lives become a sweet fragrance, an offering to Him!

Lily Mae