| Before going into Jerusalem, Jesus dined as a guest in | | | | well-intended feelings well. For example, when she |
| the house of a Pharisee. | | | | entered the room, her demanding, overbearing style |
| When Jesus and his disciples were dining at the house | | | | soon became apparent. She stared down hard at |
| of a Pharisee, Simon the leper, a sinful woman who | | | | Jesus as she approached him rather hurriedly, and said |
| had heard he was there suddenly entered that house | | | | to him, "I want to help you! Get down on the floor, right |
| and room quietly, and approached him in a tearful | | | | now." She then grabbed his shoulders, and forcibly |
| humble manner while he reclined at the table (Luke | | | | wrenched his body to the floor. |
| 7:36-50). Then, against the protests from the host and | | | | In a haughty tone, she told him to lay still. "I'm going to |
| one or two of the disciples, she wet his feet with her | | | | wipe your feet with this expensive ointment." More |
| tears, and wiped them down with her long hair. She | | | | than likely, at this point, one or more of his disciples |
| then anointed his feet with an expensive perfume, and | | | | would have interceded to protect him. Otherwise, she |
| kissed them. Apparently, she knew he was about to | | | | might have slapped Jesus into what she thought would |
| be crucified in a wrongful manner, and sympathized | | | | been a more submissive posture and state of mind for |
| with him deeply. Jesus recognized her thoughts and | | | | receiving her grandiose helpfulness. Jesus himself might |
| heartfelt sympathies. So he allowed this kind act to | | | | have had to exorcize her on the spot to make her a |
| happen. He also forgave her sins, and told her to go in | | | | more gentle, sensitive, understanding, and loving person |
| peace for her faith had saved her. | | | | of faith. |
| Now, imagine this scene under a different kind of | | | | The point. |
| helpful attitude. | | | | Attitude and humility are important self-control issues if |
| Suppose this sinful woman was a physically strong, | | | | we are to serve our faith by helping others. |
| highly forceful person who could not manage her | | | | |