Looking Beyond the Alabaster

Scripture: And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. Luke 7:37-38

Observation: I have thought and discussed this before ... alabaster is primarily from two small towns, one in Spain, and one a small hill town in modern Tuscany, Italy - Volterra. I have been to Volterra, and own an alabaster candle votive and a salt and pepper set from there. It is very possible that this woman's jar was from there.

Everything about this woman made an bold impression on everyone in the room. The host notices her for her for the fact that she is a sinner - he sees the reputation of her past behavior. The disciples notice her for her behavior - they see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet. The narrator sees her first for her possessions - he notices the jar as the only descriptive element about her ever mentioned.

However, Jesus notices her faith - he sees a person seeking love and forgiveness from God. Jesus both allows her to proceed with her request, and then grants that request, because he doesn't see her anything that the others perceive as relevant, but rather he sees a heart dying to the world if only God could overlook the past.

Application: What do people see when they look at me? They probably see ... some kind of earthly success, maybe a funny guy, maybe a strict and driven boss. They could even see alabaster possessions. What I fail to show is my faith.

I trust Jesus sees my faith, but I need to exhibit it more. It should be something that others see and even experience. It should be humble yet bold, focused on Jesus, and dedicating myself and my possessions to him. I know Jesus sees my tears when I worship and pray, often privately in my car, but this should be something I am comfortable expressing more and more.

Prayer: Lord, may my faith be evident to you first, and to everyone else as well. I have been forgiven for a great deal, and I do love you a great deal. Daily, you see my heart soften. I seek the boldness of this woman, who gladly and faithfully served you in a public and visible way, regardless of the observations of others. Amen.