Written by Scott B. Hayashi
Luke 7:37-38 (NRSV) And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.
For what did this unnamed woman hope? The fact that she receives entrance into the Pharisee’s house at all is a miracle. No one stops her at the door; she is not prevented from standing behind Jesus even though she is a known sinner, recognized as such by the community and the culture in which she lives. She accepts this definition of herself and allows it to form her self-image.
Her actions say that she wants to serve Jesus. Jesus receives her service. His acceptance means that even a sinner like her—even a sinner like you or me—can be a servant of the Lord. Perhaps all she hopes for is that Jesus will notice her. Jesus sees her, sees to the heart of her and beyond. This kind of sight, this willingness of Jesus to see our hearts—broken though they may be—is good news for a sinner like me.
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