Exchanging

Her stiff, unsure steps and downward face showed the utter depths of her shame as she timidly entered the large room. Her long, black hair covered her pained and fearful expression. Wrought from years of social exile and tragedy, the lines of her face reflected the hopelessness she had suffered for so long. Before the death of her husband, public banquets had always been joyful affairs. It had been years since she had dared to venture to any public gathering—let alone a feast hosted by Simon. The Pharisees had openly condemned her. If only, she thought.

Slowly crossing the room she caught the eye of the host, whose piercing gaze communicated a mixture of disdain and disbelief. Her shame doubled. She had searched earnestly for another solution, but the money she needed flowed steadily from the pockets of those that admired her beauty. Her children depended upon her earnings. She had succumbed to her desperation. If only she could find peace in this agony—one hope for an end to her painful captivity. Her one Hope was here.

Glimpsing the Guest of honor, her heart beat a little faster. She had listened desperately, fervently to the messages of this new Rabbi. Exiled and denied friendship and sincere affection, she craved the Teacher’s promise of peace and forgiveness. She craved this promise of merciful love that surpassed any she ever experienced in her married life. If only I could look into His face, she inwardly pled.

Her eyes now fixed on the back of His robe, her heart raced as she drew near. She could no longer hear the hateful words whispered by those who had once called her ‘friend’. Her feet could barely feel their way across the floor. Twice she stumbled. Her breathing turned to frantic sobs. Now just an arm’s length away from Him, she could no longer contain the tears. She fell to His feet. Unable to rise, her tears dropped to form trails in the dust of His feet. She used her hair to wipe away the streaks. The Rabbi stood patiently, looking down with deep compassion.

She began to kiss His feet, letting her gratitude overpower all restraint. This Man had shown her more kindness than she ever believed existed—and he must have known her disgrace. Her shaking hands grasped the alabaster vile around her neck. It contained the last ounce of treasured perfume given to her by her husband—the only lasting remnant of her former life. She gave her heart to her beloved Teacher as she poured the fragrance over his feet.

So captivated was she by her new Treasure that she barely heard Jesus speak to the room of Pharisees. She could feel her acceptance in His presence. His warm gaze was fixed on the top of her head as he spoke sweetly and with audible love, saying, “Your sins have been forgiven.” With eyes clouded with tears, she looked up to meet his, filled with gentle compassion as he continued with tender sincerity, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

(story based on Luke 7:36-50)