Luke 7:39

New International Version

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

For Encouragement

She came to worship, and pure worship she gave. Her tears overflowing with joyful adoration of the guest of this Pharisee called Simon (Luke 7:36-43). She may have seen the miracles he performed, listened to His sermons and teachings, and marveled at His wisdom. He spoke with power and authority: demons have fled screaming out of the possessed, leaving them whole again. At His command, the dead had come to life again, and sinners had received forgiveness. If this were not the Messiah, who else could He be? 

So, she came when Jesus came to Simon’s house for dinner. Her reputation could not qualify her for a friendly invitation to the dinner. Yet, she determined to go, with an alabaster jar of perfume to honor the guest of the house, scorning her sordid reputation. 

Overwhelmed by guilt and with a contrite heart, she soothed the Master’s feet with her warm tear drops that fell on them. Her hair, now a towel, and with kisses abounding, she generously poured her treasure of perfume on the Teacher’s feet (38). How could she stop to think about its cost? Nothing was worthier than the glory of the extraordinary man at the table of Simon. 

As the sweet aroma of her perfume filled the room, Simon wondered if Jesus was the prophet people had tooted Him to be. He did not understand the gesture of the woman he only knew as a sinner. He had no sense of mercy and grace. But this poor woman sought it, and Jesus responded with divine admiration. 

“Your sins are forgiven… your faith has saved you; go in peace” (48, 50).

Her face lit with divine favor. She was free! Free as the aroma of her perfume that rose to fill the air. Gone was the stench of sin. In its place, the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ spread around her.

So, say what you may, Simon! My Lord knows who I am and what He has made me in Him—the possessor of eternal life and a citizen of heaven. Have you experienced such freedom from your worship as this woman? Can you look forward to heaven with the confidence she had returning home that evening? (John 1:12-13; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)