Jan 26

It is hard to picture a more loving or intimate gesture than the jar-woman wiping her own tears off the feet of Jesus. Scripture says in 1 Cor. 11:15 that a woman's long hair is her glory.

Here we see a perfect illustration of who we are, who Jesus is, and what love is all about. We see a woman who knows all too well what manner of person she is. We see her touched to the core of her being by Jesus' presence, as indicated by her tears. And we see her response to this by her using the beautiful aspect of who she is, her hair, as an instrument to glorify God. Her glory gives him glory. That is why she was created.

She kisses his feet as well. A kiss is the symbol of love, and the whole scene is one of great tenderness and a deep portrayal of love. She loves Jesus to a depth which Simon the Pharisee will never know unless he, too, comes to know his own sinfulness.

Verse 39 of this passage (Luke 7:36-50) reveals that Simon does not yet know this, for it reveals his heart as a religious person who sees other people -- but not himself -- as sinners. And he thinks that any other religious person should have the same attitude that he does, for he says to himself concerning Jesus, "If he knew. . . ."

If he knew? Jesus did know; he just didn't react the way Simon thought he should react. Far from recoiling in horror from such intimacy with a sinner, Jesus accepts her closeness and offers her love. She had had enough of unkind words and disdainful stares from righteous society.

Her spirit must have been low, like the dimly burning wick. But now she is built up and encouraged. This man lets her touch him in all holiness and true love, even when he knows all about her and what sort of person she is.

Jesus does the same for you and me.

Scripture for today: Matthew 7:1, 2
Thought for today: My reputation is bound up with Jesus' reputation -- and his with mine.
Prayer for today: Help me, Jesus, to be more concerned about what you think than about what others think. May I live and act solely for your sake and not mine.

JAN 26