Luke 7:36-50 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.… In the conduct of this penitent we may observe the following particulars: 1. Her deep humility — "She stood at the feet of Jesus." Mary, the sister of Martha, sat at His feet, which might signify the calm, settled, and composed state of her mind. But this woman stood; a posture which denotes humility, reverence, and fear. She stood like a servant in waiting, ready to put in practice what she had designed for His honour. 2. Observe the holy shame of this penitent — "She stood at Jesus' feet behind Him." Such was the beauty of His holiness that she was ashamed, and such the glory of His majesty that she was afraid to look Him in the face. 3. Her unfeigned sorrow "She stood behind Him weeping." Those eyes, which had been the inlets of temptation and sin, now become the outlets of godly sorrow. 4. Her sorrow was not only sincere, but abundant — "She stood weeping, and washed His feet with tears." It was not a sudden gust, but a continual flow. 5. Witness the ardour of her love to Christ — "She kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment." A pardoned sinner will think no expense too great whereby he may honour Christ or testify his love to Him. 6. Her contempt of the world. She did not mind the things of the world any more than the men of the world. The box of precious ointment was of little value to one who had found the pearl of great price. 7. Her gratitude and joy. All her grief was mingled with love and thankfulness; her tears were tears of joy for sin pardoned, as well as of sorrow for sin committed. Her ointment became a thank-offering to her Saviour. From this instructive history we may learn that the displays of Divine mercy have always a practical tendency. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. |
    |