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ANOINTED BY A SINNER (LUKE 7:36-50)

REFLECTION

Anointed by a sinner is the theme for our reflection. The phrase “to be anointed” means to be consecrated or set apart for a divine task through the application of oil. However, for our reflection, anointed means to smear or rub oil on the body. Jesus allowed himself to be anointed by a sinner because the sinner demonstrated repentance and faith. In other words, Jesus accepts us when we show signs of repentance and faith. A woman who was tagged a “sinful woman” because of her past, anointed the feet of Jesus with perfume.

Beloved in the Lord, people may continue to remind us of our past by tagging us with the name “sinner” but Jesus forgives us our sins when we demonstrate genuine repentance and faith in Him as our Lord and Saviour. We saw that the woman who was called “a sinner” demonstrated her repentance and faith in Christ. We are told “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them” (Luke 7:37-38) While the Pharisee whose house the event took place was busy judging her, Jesus perceived and appreciated the woman’s humility,love, remorse, repentance and faith through her action, therefore He said to the her “Your sins are forgiven…“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48, 50) When we come to Jesus with a humble and remorseful heart through an inward and outward demonstration of faith we are forgiven and restored. Let us remember that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

The perfume in the alabaster jar is an expensive substance yet she used it to anoint and honour Jesus. When we encounter Jesus, nothing in this world is more valuable than our salvation and relationship with Him. It is for this reason Paul wrote, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-8,10-11), Beloved in the Lord, what does Jesus mean to you? Is he your Saviour and King? Do you honour Jesus with your best or surplus? Do you honour Jesus with the best of your time and resources as gratitude for your salvation? The Psalmist appreciating the goodness of the Lord, wrote, “What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 14 I will fulfil my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.” (Psalms 116:12-14). Like the Woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with the expensive oil, what are you also doing to express your remorse, love, faith, honour and gratitude to the Messiah and King of Kings?

In summary, we have discovered that Jesus accepts us when we show signs of repentance and faith. Let us come to Jesus in humility, repentance and faith for He forgives our sins and restores us. Shalom.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to surrender our lives to Jesus who accepts us, forgives our sins and restores us. May we also be compassionate and not judgemental to those who desire to come to Jesus for their salvation. Amen.