April 10, 2013
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Alabaster Box
I so love the story in the Bible of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with precious oil. So much has been written about it, and many songs have been written about it, too. You can read about this event in Luke chapter 7.This woman was commonly thought to have been a prostitute. She was a woman who could certainly appreciate the message that Jesus came to bring. She was willing to brave the snide remarks and judgmental looks from the Pharisees at the table because she wanted to be near her Savior. She wanted express her love and thanks to Him.
She cried and cried as she knelt there, and her tears washed the dust from His feet. Then she wiped His feet with her hair and anointed them with expensive oil. What an amazing act of worship! This must have cost her plenty! It was not just the expense of the oil, but also the willingness to brave the criticism of those watching.
Simon, whose home this took place in, was upset that Jesus could allow this woman to touch Him. Jesus was kind in His reply to Simon.
"Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn't offer Me water to wash the dust from My feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn't greet Me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing My feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint My head, but she has anointed My feet with rare perfume. I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown Me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."
Some people only focused on the expense of the oil, or the sins of the woman. They did not understand this was an act of loving worship. But Jesus knew. He understood. He always does.
I also have been forgiven much. So much. I will never forget how it felt to have the weight of guilt and shame lifted from me. I cannot tangibly sit at the feet of my Savior, but I have decided to spend my life pouring my love out to Him in worship and gratitude.
Comments (13)
i have to stop over here more often... i foget about xanga but i really miss and totally need the messages you share.
Thank you for being so beautiful and gentle... sharing the messages of God and Jesus with beauty instead of pounding guilt...
love and miss you!
Tude
Our Pastor just preached on this passage, as it is written in Matthew. It made me wonder "what am I doing for Jesus that is beautiful?"
I like that story and I also like the woman at the well.
Great story. Yes, Jesus knew and since it was for him, he's the one that matters. He knows our hearts.
I have not been here before but it will not be my only visit. Thank you for sharing the beautiful stories and reminding me that all that I do honors Him. Myprayers will include your request for the people'of Denmark. Hus and smiles, Char
Love the message here.
I love the message. Also I think that the woman is carrying a beautiful fruit in her spirit and she is good at growing spiritually. God´s grace is stronger towards those who sinned the most because they need it the most and therefore the salvation feels so much more powerful and the love to Jesus / God feels more life transforming. I am young in my christian faith and have not read the whole Bibel yet so I might be wrong but still I like to read things on this site and reflect on it. I apologize for my level in the english language.
A lovely reflection!
@cjc2 - Thanks for stopping by and for your prayers for Denmark.
@Bettina Tan@facebook - Bettina, I think for as young as you are in your faith, you understand a lot! Thanks for reading!
This story is a favorite of mine. Thanks.
Hi Pastor, Mae
There are some amazing women in the Bible and this gal is one of them.
It is a very inspiring story.
frank
Pure love .
This part of the Gospel according Luke is famous .
I always wondered to myself if this woman was not Maria -Magdalena ???
Love
Michel