While they were gathered around the table a local woman stepped forward from the crowd. Not just any woman, she was a “sinner”, most likely known for being a local prostitute. She had come prepared. She brought the one item of great value, a treasure for any woman of that place and time: her alabaster jar of ointment. This ointment was most commonly applied to honor the dead with its strong and pleasant odor. It was costly, almost certainly the most valuable thing she owned. The woman applied the ointment to Jesus’ feet, which would have been extended out toward the observing crowd away from the low table where the host and guests reclined.
The Pharisee “host” was aghast and thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” How could Jesus, if indeed He was a man of God, allow such a sinner to touch Him? It was a valid thought if all you knew were the rules of that time.
Jesus wouldn’t allow such a thought, undoubtedly one that was shared by many men and women who were watching, to go by without comment. Jesus used the moment to teach them by sharing a parable.
In His parable, Jesus described two people who were forgiven. One of them was forgiven a serious fortune, a huge amount of money for the common person of the day and an amount that it would be assumed was too great to ever repay. The other was forgiven a large amount, but an amount that those listening could believe repayment was possible. Jesus asked the Pharisee, “Now which of them will love him more?”
The Pharisee’s answer was obvious, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” “Correct” Jesus told him.
The point made in the context of the sinful woman anointing Jesus was that when much is forgiven, the responding love is all the greater. The point for us would be to consider how great the need that we have brought to our Savior that we may be forgiven. Enough to stir us to great love? Absolutely!
We have all been forgiven much. Such forgiveness should stir us all to love much. Thank You Lord Jesus for the freedom that is ours through forgiveness!
Vern