The sinful woman, broken over her sin, was at the feet of Jesus. What was she about to do? People elbow each other and gesture toward her. Everyone knows who she is and what she is. Simon must have been so stunned that he almost choked on his food!

Picture her. She is not an unattractive woman. Though the flower of her youth has wilted from too many nights in too many different beds, she still has the physical charms to lure men. No veil covers her face. Her long, thick black hair hangs brazenly about her face. Yet, no man would think she is sexy this night. Her eyes are puffy and her complexion is red. Tears begin to fall like rain from her face. 

As she sobs, she realizes her bitter, salty tears are falling on Jesus’ feet. She kneels at His side, avoiding His eyes and begins to “wash His feet with tears.” She bends lower to the floor and begins to dry His feet “with the hairs of her head.” Then she “kissed His feet” and continued kissing them for some time. At last, she remembers what she has brought with her, the “alabaster flask of fragrant oil.” With it, she “anointed” the Savior’s feet with a generous supply and the fragrance filled the room.

Now “the Pharisee who had invited Him,” Simon, “saw this” and was scandalized. He was petrified. He could not believe what was happening in his house at his dinner party! Earlier in the day, he had gone through ritualistic cleansings to purify himself in accord with the pharisaical traditions. This story continues in its intrigue. 

Sometimes “we” place a higher value on tradition than worship!