Luke 7:36-50 (selected verses) A certain one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him. Jesus entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. Just then a sinful woman from that town learned that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume, stood behind him near his feet weeping, and began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she began to wipe them with her hair while also kissing his feet and anointing them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would realize who is touching him and what kind of woman she is, because she is a sinner.”
[Jesus] said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, but you did not give me water for my feet. Yet she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that is why she loved so much. But the one who is forgiven little loves little.”
He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (EHV)
Why do you do what you do for your child? “Because I have to. If I don't, my child wouldn't have any chance to thrive in their life. Maybe not even survive! I know my child better than anyone else, and if I don't address their needs, sometimes in unique ways, I don't know what would happen.”
As a parent, that certainly would be a good motivation--doing what is necessary for your child. But if that is the only mindset driving a parent, some degree of resentment might set in, even if only below the surface.
The “sinful” woman in this section of God's Word was taking care of somewhat mundane tasks that a host would provide for a guest: washing feet, greeting with a kiss, and anointing a head. The host of this meal didn't get these things done for Jesus, but in her own, unique way, this woman did.
Why? As Jesus says, it is because she realized her sinfulness, and the great love of a forgiving Savior.
Maybe people wouldn't look at you and call you a “sinful” parent. But you are. I am too. Like me, you daily fall into sinful thoughts, words, and even actions. So let’s take this opportunity to contemplate what our sins have cost our Savior: His need to leave heaven.
His rejection by his own people.
His suffering.
His death.
All to save us—you, and me. As the reality of the depth of his love grows in your mind, let that be a motivating force for your life of thankfulness in all you do. As you carry out your often mundane tasks for your child, remember that they are not obligations you have to carry out, but opportunities to show, in your own unique way, your faith and your thanks for the love of your Savior.
And go in peace.
Lord Jesus, I'm sorry for the times I have forgotten that my life is a chance to show thanks to you for all that you have done for me. Help me remember this today, and tomorrow, and in the days to come. Let the realization of your love continue to grow in me, so that all I do, for my child and for everyone else, is out of thanks to you. In your name I pray. Amen.
by Paul Mose