Our Scripture reading today is Luke 7:37-38.
Verse 38, "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."
This particular scene is one of brokenness and love. We are not given the name of this lady who is described as a sinner. This meant she was not just the "normal" sinner, but more than likely had a reputation in town. Being in the home of a Pharisee would have taken some courage and determination. There were numerous people there, but she focused solely on Jesus Christ.
Morris on the alabaster flask: “It had no handles and was furnished with a long neck which was broken off when the contents were needed…We may fairly deduce that this perfume was costly. Jewish ladies commonly wore a perfume flask suspended from a cord round the neck, and it was so much a part of them that they were allowed to wear it on the sabbath.”
We are witnesses to a broken, sinner coming to express her love for the Saviour. The key to repentance is a brokenness for our sin. I will be broken when I realize how much God loves me in spite of my sin. My love for Him will grow out of His love for me. 1 John 4:19, "We love him, because he first loved us." “O for more of this love! If I might only pray one prayer this morning, I think it should be that the flaming torch of the love of Jesus should be brought into every one of our hearts, and that all our passions should be set ablaze with love to him.” (Spurgeon)