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T HE K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
Christ is made (Rom. 3>:24): “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” , Simon believed that he who had been conscious of the greatest sin would be likely to love, most, and Paul was a wit ness to this fact (1 Tim. 1:12-16). Jesus neatly turns the tables on Simon and convicts him out of his own mouth as did Nathan with David, “ Thou art the man.” He lays bare the heart of Simon, and at the same time reveals the heart of the woman* Water for the feet was an act of hos pitality. A kiss, given on the cheek of an equal, was a sign of respect; on the hand, of a superior; on the feet, of a prince. The anointing was a token of honor. Simon was exposed in his own house, amidst his own guests. His pride was brought low, his ignorance exposed and his uncharitableness rebuked. The de spised woman was lifted up apd honored. (4) THE SOUL-SATISFYING SAV IOUR, “ Thy sins are forgiven thee.” , . “ Wherefore I say unto thee” (Jesus is speaking to Simon), “ her sins,,which are many, are forgiven.” Now He speaks to the woman, “ Thy sins are for given.” Is this the voice of God? “Who is this?” the people say, as did the Pharisees (Mark 2 :7 ): «Why doth, this man speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” They were right. All sin is against God (Psa. 51:4) and no one can forgive sin but God. Therefore, Jesus must be God, or else He is an impostor and the Scripture would be broken. It is well to note how wonderfully tactful was our Lord in dealing with the fallen woman at Jacob’s well (John 4), with Mary Magdalene, and with this woman—kindly, faithfully; He never compromised with sin, nor belabored the sinner. There is'a lesson here also for the soul-winner. What has brought for-
“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard* very costly* and anointed, the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her' hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” Her heart was overflowing; her eyes, were filled with tears; she showers kisses upon His feet; she pours out the precious ointment, and with her wom an’s “ crown of glory” wipes His feet. ' She manifests the true spirit of a be liever. She came boldly. No fear of the people. She came confidently. Jesus had won her confidence. She came humbly, taking the sinner’s place at His - feet, as did Mary (John 11:2). She came with the love-offering of a grateful heart. She counted nothing dear to herself. Tears may be cheap, but oint ment is precious (Prov. 27:9 ): “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” The saints in heaven cast down their golden crowns at His feet. If you anoint Christ, He will anoint you. She came in faith. She believed Him. She counted Him worthy of the best. Did not the Father in Heaven look with joy upon this act of devotion, and was He not glorified in and through this mani festation? (3) THE SOUL-SEARCHING SAV IOUR, “ I have somewhat to say unto thee.” Take a look at Simon! He is a good fellow, a respectable, religious fellow, you would say, but you have not seen his heart. Jesus is reading his heart and is answering the questions of his heart when he spake within himself ' (Jer. 17:9, 10): “The heart la deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know It? I* the Lord, search the heart.” The Lord uses a parable and brings Simon face to face with the fact that all men are debtors to God (Rom. 3 :23): “For all have sinned and come short of. the glory of God.” All are equally bankrupt (Rom. 5 :6 ): “For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” And all are equally forgiven when confession of sin and acceptance of
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