Lavish Worship
36 x 48
Gouache, acrylic, and pencil on canvas
This scene tells the story of a dinner engagement with an unusual twist. Simon, a Pharisee (religious leader) has asked Jesus to join him for dinner.
AN UNINVITED GUEST
At some point during the visit, a woman of less than pristine reputation enters the house. The woman is obviously very distraught and weeping. At first she stands behind Jesus crying contritely, then she kneels at his feet and begins to kiss them while anointing them with a costly, fragrant balm. Her tears fall copiously on his feet, which she dries with her hair.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18
We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19
The Pharisee is aghast at this display of lavish affection. Whether jealousy is a part of his response we are not told, but it is revealed that he finds the woman's actions inappropriate because of who and what she is. Just as revealing is the Lord Jesus Christ's gracious acceptance of this woman and her worship in spite of who and what she is.
Did this painting speak to you? If so,
buy me a coffee :-)
A SPIRITUAL EQUATION:
THE RATIO OF LOVE TO FORGIVENESS
Jesus knows exactly what is going through his hosts' mind, and responds by telling him a parable about two debtors. The moral of the story is that the person who has been forgiven the most is the one that will love (the Forgiver) the most. He then tells the woman to go in peace...her sins are forgiven.
He also demonstrates during this encounter that he (Jesus) is God—because He is worthy of the worship that belongs only to God, and because he has the power to forgive sin—something only God can do!
!! ARTIST OBSERVATION !!
Never be too ashamed of where life has taken you or what you have become to ask for God's help and forgiveness. God welcomes remorse and genuine repentance. He never turns away a broken and contrite spirit. And, he gives you power to change!