Tired of trying to placate the people around her, she strikes out on her own. After all, she has nothing left to lose.
Learning that Jesus is in town, she finagles her way into Simon’s home – either by stealth, bribery or bravado – and kneels at the feet of her Lord. She’s not there to beg, she is there to worship and to offer the sacrifices of a broken spirit. She knows that Jesus will not despise her broken and contrite heart. In her hands she holds a peace offering of expensive perfume. She unpins her hair – another scandal! – and uses it to wipe Jesus’ feet in a shocking display of intimacy and introspection.
Around the table, eight men who know and despise her for what she is work hard to ignore her. They talk louder to cover her sobbing and give in to nervous fits of giggling. It is all so very awkward. My apologies – I had no idea. Honestly. Who let this woman in?
Simon doesn’t love Jesus. He doesn’t even see Jesus. He calls him teacher – an insult given the signs that Jesus has recently performed. And the woman? All Simon sees is a sinner, a stain on his righteous community. She is another test for Jesus. After all, if He really was a prophet, He wouldn’t let her near Him.
Quite gently, Jesus tells Simon what a hypocrite he is. No water for His feet, no welcome kiss, no refreshing oil – such hospitality would be a crime. But that’s okay – the woman (THAT woman!) has saved Simon from social disgrace. Like Abigail, she has intervened with what is needful – tender kisses, tears and expensive perfume – and made the guest of honor feel at home. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry.
Jesus, knowing what it is she really needs, restores her to her community in front of eight impeccable witnesses when He says, “Your faith has saved you. Your sins are forgiven.” It is a gift she desperately needs but cannot ask for (hesed), and one that Simon, sadly, can neither understand nor accept – because he doesn't need it.
