The Woman Who Dried Jesus’ Feet

Luke 7:36–50

There’s something sacred about tears. They tell the truth when words fail. They reveal what’s been buried deep in the heart. And in this story, a woman’s tears became the language of worship that filled the room and caught the attention of the only One who could change her life forever.

An Unexpected Guest

Simon the Pharisee had invited Jesus to dinner. On the surface, it looked like an honor. But if you listen closely to the tone of the story, you’ll notice Simon’s heart was full of suspicion, not love.

While they reclined at the table, a woman—known in town as “a sinner”—entered the house. She didn’t wait for an introduction. She didn’t need an official invitation. She brought something far more valuable: an alabaster jar of perfume, and a heart ready to pour it all out at the feet of Jesus.

The Courage to Come Close

This woman’s courage is astounding. She was risking humiliation, ridicule, and rejection. The Pharisees saw her as unclean, unworthy, and unwelcome. But she pressed through the whispers, found Jesus, and positioned herself at His feet.

Sometimes, the greatest act of faith is simply coming closer to Him—despite what the crowd thinks, despite your own feelings of unworthiness.

Tears, Perfume, and Worship

The Bible says she stood behind Him, weeping. Her tears fell onto His feet, washing away the dust from the road. She then wiped them with her hair—an act so intimate and humble that it must have shocked the room. Finally, she poured perfume on His feet.

Think about it: she didn’t bring her leftovers; she brought her best. In that moment, the jar was not just perfume—it was her past, her pain, her pride, her everything. She broke it open and let it go.

The Pharisee’s Problem

Simon thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Religion without love is quick to label people and slow to love them. Simon saw her sin; Jesus saw her soul. Simon saw her past; Jesus saw her potential.

The Parable of the Two Debtors

Knowing Simon’s thoughts, Jesus told a parable about two people who owed money—one owed a small amount, the other a large amount. Both debts were forgiven.“Now which of them will love him more?” Jesus asked.

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

Exactly. The greater the forgiveness, the deeper the love. And the woman’s love was overflowing because she had been forgiven much.

A Personal Reflection

There was a time when I felt like that woman—entering the presence of Jesus carrying more shame than strength. I wasn’t sure if He’d turn me away. But just like in her story, He didn’t push me back. He drew me in.

I’ve learned that the enemy wants you to believe you can’t come to Jesus until you’re “cleaned up.” But the Gospel flips that thinking: you come as you are, and He does the cleaning.

What This Means for Us Today

1. Your Worship Is More Powerful Than Your Reputation – Don’t let the labels of others keep you from pouring your heart out to God.

2. Come Closer Even If You’re Afraid – Faith doesn’t mean you feel no fear; it means you move forward anyway.

3. Bring Your Best to Him – Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, bring what matters most and lay it at His feet.

4. Forgiveness Fuels Love – When you remember what you’ve been forgiven of, your love for Christ will grow.

The Gospel Close: Celebrating Christ

At the end of the meal, Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon:"Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair… Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown."

Then to her, He said the words every weary soul longs to hear:"Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

That’s the heart of the kerygma—the proclamation of the Good News. Christ is not intimidated by your past. He’s not afraid of your brokenness. He came to seek, save, and restore.

When we kneel at His feet, something happens. Our tears become worship. Our brokenness becomes beauty. Our shame becomes a story of redemption.

And just like that day in Simon’s house, the fragrance of worship still fills the room—every time a sinner comes home, every time we pour ourselves out for the One who gave everything for us.