Last week we talked about how the world defines young women. This week we’re going to look at how you define yourself, not on the outside, but on the inside.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7
Luke 7:36-50, MSG
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
One of the Pharisees asked [Jesus] over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him." Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Oh? Tell me." "Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most." "That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal." Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins." That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!" He ignored them and said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
In understanding this story, it’s helpful to understand the etiquette and culture of that day, just as it is important for us to know the etiquette of today. Let’s see how well you do:
Today –
1. At a formal dinner, when should one start eating the main course?
a. After the hostess is served.
b. After the hostess lifts her fork.
c. After three or four people have their food.
d. ASAP, with urgency and passion.
2. What do you do when you’re not using your utensils?
a. Place them on the side of your plate so they do not touch the table.
b. Place them on the table, where they were originally.
c. Place them in your lap. No one needs to see you nasty silverware.
d. Leave. The meal MUST be over; my utensils are not being used!
3. At a formal dinner, what is the signal that the meal is over?
a. When the hostess places her silverware on her plate in an x.
b. When the hostess rises from the table.
c. When the hostess places her napkin on the table.
d. When you are done eating, duh!
Answers -
1. b
2. a
3. c
Old Testament Day-
When the Pharisee invited Jesus to his house he knew that Jesus should be recognized as a guest of honor. The customary greeting was a kiss, not as an expression of affection, simply a polite acknowledgment of the guest’s arrival.
The washing of feet was mandatory before a meal. If the guest was of high status, the host would perform this duty himself. If not, he might have his servant do it.
A thoughtful host would give his guests some olive oil for anointing, though this was somewhat optional. With a very warm climate, and a scarcity of deodorant, such as a gesture was particularly refreshing.
Let's look at Simon and the woman from the outside in.
Simon
Outside World –
Pharisee (Saul. Legalistic. Outward Appearance.)
"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds." – Matthew 23:27- 28, MSG
Inside Heart
- Doubted Jesus (Skeptic)
- Judgmental
- Not grateful
Woman
Outside World –
Sinner
“When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." – Matthew 7:39, NIV
Inside Heart
- Broken
- Sacrificial
- Grateful
Remember:
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7
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