Repentance

"And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that [Jesus] was sitting at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment."

-Luke 7:36ff

This story goes on to describe the reaction of those observing the woman's gift to Jesus. The Pharisee thinks to himself that Jesus must not be a prophet. If He were, He would never let such a woman near Him. Others (in Mark's gospel), complain that this woman wasted ointment so costly it might have been sold for a year's wages, and the money given to the poor. In Matthew and Mark's gospels, Judas (found on the left side of the painting) departs this scene to go to the chief priests to betray Jesus.

What is Jesus' response? To the Pharisee he says, "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." (Luke 7:47) And to the others, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me... And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." (Mark 14:6-9)

I am so concerned about what others think of me. I would do well to learn from this woman, who boldly approached the Lord, regardless of what others would think of her. Hopefully, the Lord would also say to me, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:50)