Anointing Jesus’ Feet

This morning, I read the story of Mary the sister of Lazarus anointing Jesus with costly perfume in the week before he was crucified (John 12:1-11). That reminded me of a similar scene from earlier in Jesus’ life when a sinful woman wet his feet with her tears while he was dining at the home of a Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50). I did a prayer sketch based on that scene, starting with Rien Poortvliet’s rendition of it in He Was One of Us, then modifying it by sketching myself rather than the woman in Poortvliet’s sketch.

As I sketched myself in the scene, not worrying about making a finished drawing but rather trying to capture the feel of the interaction, thoughts and questions kept arising in my heart and mind:

• How would I have felt being so conspicuous, especially in a Pharisee’s home?
• Would I be willing to touch dusty, unwashed feet?
• I’d feel awkward about someone touching my feet, especially in public. How would Jesus react to me touching his feet?
• What would it be like to be so close to Jesus and have his hand on my shoulder?
• Am I willing to be identified as a sinful woman?
• Do I see myself as a sinful woman?
• What is it like to hear Jesus’ say to me, “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.”?

I have been pondering these questions today and, the more I reflect on this scene, the more questions, thoughts, and emotions arise.