Humble Love: The Essence of Divine Mercy in the Anointing by a Sinful Woman (01/12/'24)

Humble Love: The Essence of Divine Mercy in the Anointing by a Sinful Woman The narrative of a sinful woman anointing Jesus serves as a profound testament to God's humble and loving spirit toward humanity. This story encapsulates the essence of the Gospel's Good News: the divine image found in humility and lowliness. Jesus, from His birth in a humble setting to His sacrificial death on the cross, exemplifies the most cherished position in God's eyes. The depiction of Jesus, baptized by John as a mere human and facing death not as a deity but as a sinful being, underscores the profundity of God becoming man. This humility is not only the apex of God's incarnation but also His desired state. We must hold dear the scene where a sinful woman anoints Jesus, a moment that beautifully encapsulates God's love. Through such acts of humble mercy, God reveals to us the true essence of holiness in people, places, and times. Jesus, in washing His disciples' feet, embodied this spirit, teaching us the depth of divine love and forgiveness. The Gospel reminds us, "Let her alone… for she does good things to me… she anointed my body before burial… her many sins were forgiven, because she loved much. He who is forgiven little loves little… Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what this woman did will also be told and remembered." While we recall Peter's denial, Judas's betrayal, the humiliation of the cross, and the crowd's scorn, the touching act of the woman anointing Jesus stands out, stirring us to repentance. It reminds us of God's boundless mercy and humility. Such moments, where God's grace and love are most manifest, are deemed by Him as the most precious, beautiful, and significant. Clearly, Christ's mission in this world was not to exalt grandiose worship, music, or temples, but to foster these humble, sacred encounters. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (January 12, 2024) A sinful woman anointed Jesus: (Mark 14: 3-9; Luke 7: 36-50; Matthew 26: 6-13; John 12: 1-8) --- *Jesus washed their feet. (Matthew 26: 14-39; Luke 22: 24-27; John 13: 1-17; Mark 10:44) I still leave him, why do you bother him? He did something beautiful to me. The poor are always with you, so I can do it at any time, and I am not with you. Poured oil in my body. "~ Jesus (Mark 14: 6-8.) * "Many of his sins have been forgiven, which he loved a lot. “I truly say to you, and I will remember what this person did wherever the Gospel preaches anywhere in the world.” ~ Jesus (Mark 14.9; Matthew 26.13) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an evocative demonstration of the innate qualities of human nature and God's grace through Christ, the scriptures narrate a poignant encounter: A woman, burdened by sin, approaches Jesus and anoints Him. This act, described in Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 26:6-13, and John 12:1-8, symbolizes a profound expression of repentance and adoration. Similarly, Jesus, in an act of humility and service, washes the feet of His disciples (Matthew 26:14-39, Luke 22:24-27, John 13:1-17, Mark 10:44), illustrating His teaching that true greatness lies in being a servant. In response to those questioning the woman's actions, Jesus remarks, "Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial" (Mark 14:6-8). This statement underscores the fleeting opportunity to directly show love and honor to Christ during His earthly ministry. Furthermore, Jesus acknowledges the woman's great love and the forgiveness of her many sins, affirming, “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9; Matthew 26:13). This declaration highlights the enduring impact of acts of devotion and the transformative power of God's grace in Christ, transcending time and place.