Voices echoed.
The wait staff scurried with their chores.
The staff opened the windows because of the oppressive desert heat, attempting to catch any breeze.
Silently, she slid through the door to the outer wall. Furtively scanning the room, she spotted him, this man who was her only hope.
No one noticed as she carefully approached the man.
“I must see him,” she thought.
The conversations swelled. Thankful for the noise level that masked her movements, she arrived near him and slid noiselessly to the floor.
She worked to open the bottle hidden in her pocket. It wasn’t much, but it would have to suffice. She couldn’t afford more.
As the smell permeated the air, she sensed him move. Fearfully, she glanced up to see him smile and wink before turning back to his host, who now addressed him.
With the man’s glance, the host and those sitting near him noticed her.
Her hands trembled, but she continued her task. It was the only way she could thank him.
With a gentle nudge on his right foot, she looked toward him as she removed his sandals. A quick gasp of breath told her the one beside the man saw what she’d done.
Aghast, the observer poked a man on his right and pointed at her.
She crouched as close to the floor and his foot as she could, tears now streaming. Would the man allow her to stay?
His feet were so dirty, covered with blisters. With gentleness and care, she poured some of the fragrant ointment on his foot, her tears mingling with the oils. She wiped away the dirt and blood while massaging his foot.
“What is THAT woman doing here?” the host roared at his butler.
“Never will I allow someone who does what she does enter my home. A woman like her should never be seen, let alone enter the company of good people. Get. Her. Out. NOW!”
“Simon,” the man said, while smiling at her, “when I entered your home, you didn’t give me any water to wash the dust from my feet. This woman’s tears now cleanse away the dirt and grime.
“You didn’t extend any common courtesies to me as a guest in your home. Yet this woman continues to pour sweetly scented ointment on my feet to smooth the dryness and blisters.”
Still looking at the weeping and trembling woman, the man continued this quiet conversation with Simon.
“Simon, you didn’t even give me the common greeting when I entered your beautiful home.”
The guests gasped at these words. The host, now red-faced, stood with his clenched hands. He glared at the man.
“Perhaps you think you are much better than this poor woman because you’ve made different choices and experienced various opportunities. You don’t know her story, yet you condemn her.”
Gently touching her head, the man reached toward her.
She dared to look toward him.
“Your sins are forgiven,” he gently said. Then he took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Thank you for your kindness and love.”
The guests watched this man guide the woman to the door. “Go now in peace. Your faith has saved you.”
She paused on the threshold and looked back at him with awe, a wide-eyed smile lighting her face. Nodding, she eased out the door.
The man she’d been looking for had seen her.
No one had looked at her with such complete understanding as he. She’d never felt so cared for or honored. How could that be? He spoke little but truthfully. She had done many things she wasn’t proud of. Yet this man said her sins were forgiven. Could it be true?
She wandered down the street with a new boldness. So this is what respect felt like. Smiling at others, she replayed his few words, which had impacted her life, given her hope, and validated her.
In a short span, this man gave her:
- Truth
- Honor
- Respect
- Peace
- Kindness
- Acceptance
- Validation
- Faith
- Hope
- A future very different from her present and past
Does anyone see you?
Just as Jesus saw this woman, who the Bible text says was “the town harlot,” Jesus sees you.
Your sins, though you may have a lot and feel shame and guilt, can be forgiven when you come to Jesus.
This woman had been looking for love, acceptance, and provision from all the wrong places and people. We don’t know her full story, only what is recorded in the Bible. Where are you looking for love, validation, and respect?
Have you been wounded by life’s circumstances, people, and your choices?
Jesus sees you, knows your heart, and offers all that you need. Will you come to him today? If you aren’t sure how to find Jesus, please reach out. I’d love to introduce you to him so you can receive healing just like this woman did so you can know that Jesus sees you.
You are seen, known, and loved. Just as you are.