A
story in chapter 7 of the Book of Luke stuck out to me today in my scripture
study. Jesus was invited to dinner at a man's house. During the meal a woman
came in, "And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his
feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his
feet, and anointed them with the ointment."
We don't really know
anything about this woman other than that she was "a sinner." As if
that narrows it down at all. The host was a sinner, I'm a sinner, you are a
sinner. The host thought to himself, "this man [Jesus], if he were a prophet,
would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for
she is a sinner!"
This woman made no
requests, no pleas. Didn't say a word. But she recognized Christ and humbly
presented the very best she had to offer. What a tender moment.
Feet, especially on
people in Israel two thousand years ago walking through the dirt and dust of
the streets and countryside, were pretty gross. I'm sure Jesus' feet were
filthy. As we can see from the Last Supper, cleaning people's feet was a real
menial job. (Peter said 'Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Thou shalt never wash my
feet!') But due to how dirty it was, I imagine having your feet washed was a
real treat and a symbol of honor. For Jesus, there could probably be nothing
better (or more appreciated) that this woman could do. "Her sins, which
are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.... Thy faith hath saved thee. Go in
peace."
What can I offer the
Savior? What can I do to show that, despite being a sinner, I love him much?
There are a few things that come to mind.
- I can offer my will:
I can keep Him first in my mind. I can strive to always remember him, and spend
time reading and learning more about him. I can choose to be like him.
- I can offer a broken
heart and contrite spirit: I can repent, be humble, and try to be better and do
better
- I can offer myself
to others: I can be kind to other people, and give them a little of my time.
"When you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the
service of your God" (Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:17).
I love reading about
Jesus and his life. I love this Easter season where we celebrate Christ, his
sacrifice for us and his glorious Resurrection. I know He is still there to
help and comfort us. Because He lives this life still matters.
