When Jesus accepted the dinner invitation by Simon, the wealthy Pharisee, he knew full well what he was getting into. In the Pharisee's mind, he invited Jesus over partly because of his own curiosity, and partly to hear Jesus' thoughts on Old Testament teachings. Perhaps, also thinking he might be able to trip up this Galilaean teacher, or at the very least find fault with him (Luke 7:36).
Being a Pharisee, meant he was probably very familiar Jewish law and traditions. Therefore, it was somewhat odd that he didn't offer Christ the most basic courtesies upon Jesus' arrival at his home. Keep in mind, the culture of the time had straightforward customs of hospitality. None of which were extended to Jesus here.
Now, having just reclined at the table and began their meal a most unexpected thing happened! An uninvited "woman in the city," or harlot, who had heard that Jesus would be there, made her way into their presence. She carried an alabaster box with her (Luke 7: 37).
There was a good possibilty that she had experienced a life-changing event after having listened to Jesus preach. She felt the need to thank him personally, and now the opportunity presented itself to do so. The only way she had of doing this would be to wash and annoit his feet. Thus, the contents of her box contained a sweet ointment for that purpose.
She walked behind Jesus as he reclined, his feet behind him. In this way, she did not have to look at Christ in the face and interrupt his meal. She was all set to perform a very customary act in those long ago days (1 Samuel 25:41). Standing behind him crying, she began to wash his feet with her tears.
The woman dried off Jesus' feet with her hair, and kissed them. Simon must have been more than a little confused by all of this. As he watched her lovingly apply the oil to Christs' feet, no doubt he wondered how Jesus could let a woman of her repute approach and touch him in such a manner. Not surprisingly, Jesus knew what Simon had been thinking. What an opportune time to teach a lesson. And he did (Luke 7:40-47)!
Let's contrast the two main characters. We have Simon the Pharisee , well-versed in Jewish law, an upstanding citizen and religious leader, pillar of the community, and an all-around model citizen. Then, we have the "woman in the city," the uninvited dinner guest. She was a lowly-woman of the streets, a prostitute, and on top of that, a woman in a very, male-dominated society.
But, here's the big difference. And it made all the difference to Jesus. Simon was the typical, high and mighty Pharisee who knew all the laws and followed them to the letter. He could quote Jewish law frontward and backwards. And, he looked down at anyone that was not up to his standards.
On the other hand, the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and annoited them was anything but. However, she did have one major thing going for her that Simon did not. She had faith and love for Jesus, which she didn't hesistate to display. It was her sincere demonstration of her faith and love that prompted Jesus to forgive her sins (Luke 7:44-48).
Likewise, if not careful, we can easily be snared by the same trap as Simon the Pharisee. His "spiritual pride" blinded him as to how he viewed himself, it caused him to underestimate the character of this woman, plus it impeded him from understanding Jesus. We may look great on the outside, but inside we're spiritually dead.
Jesus doesn't want "spiritual robots" who think they're better than anyone else. That's not what He taught. Jesus message of faith in Him, repentance of sins, forgiveness, and love for each other is not that complicated. It worked then, and it still works today. Don't let "spiritual pride" stand in your way!
Scripture: Job 13:2; Leviticus 26:19; Ephesians 4:17; Job 37:24; Jeremiah 9:24
Prayer: Holy Father, I pray that my own pride will never overshadow my relationship with You, or toward others. May I always be humbled by your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. Amen
May God bless your day!
Hailey
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