A. A Sinner

1. She had sinned much...(Grk.) Meaning a woman of the town, a castaway.

· A sinner in the city – hetis – ‘htiV - “a woman of the town, in other words, and known to be such.” [i] (she had quite a reputation)

· “Her bad reputation as a harlot clung to her and made her an unwelcome visitor in the Pharisee’s house.” [ii]

a. She knew where to find Jesus.

b. She had heard he was at the house of the Pharisee, Simon

c. She heard from witnesses... we're to tell people, not only about Christ, but “where” Christ can be found.

· When others come in, we are to make room for them.

1. Sometimes the religious crowd prohibits those from coming that need to come.

2. At times, we are so enamored with ourselves that we forget about those that really need his help, even more than we.

d. How could she get in...Seeing how she was a woman of the town?

· Custom -- during feasts, doors were left open to allow neighbors to stand around the walls.

e. The guest chamber was open to all people... there was no door to close them out.

· Jesus, open to all:

· Matthew 11:28 -- to those that are heavy laden.

· Matthew 19: 14 -- to the little children – (to those that feel/seem insignificant)

· John 7:37 -- to those that are thirsty.

II. Her Road To Recovery

A. The Road to (Recovery) Jesus Will Sometimes Cost You

1. Some are not willing to pay the cost... (the rich young ruler)

2. This lady was willing to pay the cost.

a. The precious perfume was only a token of her thankfulness.

b. Genuine repentance will be accompanied by the fruit of righteousness.

· John the Baptist -- Matthew 3:8 – “bring forth a therefore fruits meat for repentance.”

B. She Stood Weeping

1. Weeping expresses the heart.

a. Luke 22:62 – “…and Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”

b. Psalms 126:5-6 “They that so in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

2. She washed his feet with tears.

· Ancient custom # 1 -- tears in a bottle

C. She Dried His Feet with Her Hair.

1. A woman's hair, her glory.

2. It was plaited with fine gold and intricately woven. (she adorned herself with her hair…ornament…as a broach or necklace is worn today)

3. It was shameful to let down the hair in public and was done only by slaves.

D. She Kissed His Feet.

1. This revealed great affection and adoration of a heart that had been touched by the master. (47)

E. Anointed the Feet of Jesus.

1. Old English -- worship – “to count worthy”.

· The reason we don't praise and worship is:

1. We don't esteem God highly enough.

2. We think more of ourselves then we ought. (Pride)

2. The fragrance filled the room.

a. She was covered by the fragrance of the perfume.

1. Down river early morning, gentle breeze blowing, fishing with dad….you could smell the sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle vine before you ever rounded the bend of the river.

2. In the marketplace, you could now smell her before you could see her.

· At times, you can see Jesus upon someone before you ever meet them or know them.

· When you touch Jesus with your worship, it will permeate the entire room where you stay.

III. Acceptance of Her Offering

A. Christ Accepts Her Repentance

1. He forgives her sins -- 48, 50

· The road to recovery is found at the feet of Jesus today.

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[i]Robertson, A. 1997. Word Pictures in the New Testament.

[ii]Robertson, A. 1997. Word Pictures in the New Testament.