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A Party Crasher

By definition, a party crasher is an uninvited guest. If you were asked to name a party crasher found in the New Testament, would you have an answer? (Hint: a woman found in Luke).

A couple of years ago, party crashers made the news. Apparently, an uninvited couple crashed a banquet at the White House. They passed through many security agents who somehow failed to catch them. They ended up meeting President Obama and his wife, had their pictures taken with diplomats and celebrities and enjoyed a bit notoriety when they were finally caught! They took the risk of punishment in order to spend one evening in the company of some of the country’s most famous citizens.

In the gospel of Luke, we also find a party crasher. A woman, perhaps a prostitute, who came as an uninvited guest to bestow a special gift.

Simon, a Pharisee, had invited Jesus to a meal. Eating together had a special significance. It was a time of inquiry, of fellowship, as well as association with people of similar life styles. Jesus was an outsider of course, but he was becoming a famous rabbi and teacher. Simon and his Pharisee friends wanted to quiz him more on his teachings.

Who was this man, and why was He being hailed as a possible Messiah? However, not being one of the accepted rabbis of His day, Simon didn’t extend the usual courtesies of feet washing or giving a little oil for His face.

Of course, women were not included in these all male events. Perhaps, Simon’s wife and servants had prepared a delicious banquet but women didn’t take part in important discussions. Since wealthy people had several servants, it is possible that the “uninvited guest” could have entered as a servant, quickly, without being questioned and went on her mission. We aren’t told. But here is the story as I read it (Luke 7:36-50).

Jesus, while reclining at the table, suddenly encountered an uninvited woman. Her hair hung loosely about her shoulders indicating that she was possibly a woman of “the streets.” Her face smudged with dirt. Her red-rimmed eyes showed that she had obviously been crying. Her robe, although now dirty, had once been costly, as one could tell from the trim on the garment. Yet, here she was, the uninvited guest, rudely intruding at a dinner hosted by a respected Pharisee.

No one would have allowed this “unclean” person at the table. It is obvious who she was. Anyone could tell. Yet this new rabbi did not dismiss her. In fact, His face showed nothing but love and compassion.

She wept almost uncontrollably, as she bent down to wipe His feet with her that tears fell freely upon him. She didn’t embrace Him but merely continuing wiping His feet, while her body heaved with sobs. After a short time, although continuing to cry, she broke a small jar and its perfume filled the room. She rubbed this semi- thick liquid on His face and beard, as well as taking His hands in hers. She also rubbed this ointment on His feet. Not a word she spoke but continued thus in her humility, showing her great love and seeking forgiveness.

Simon and the others agreed that any real prophet would know that this woman was unclean and impure. She must purify herself first, then go before the priests and offer sacrifices at the temple before being considered worthy of forgiveness.

Jesus then told them a parable of forgiveness. He pointed out to them that those who have the greater sins have more to be forgiven. Did Simon not have sins? Yes, of course. Although this woman had the greater sin, she showed greater repentance than Simon would have acknowledged for his.

The Lord didn’t pardon her sins, until she came in humility with repentance and faith in Him as the “Forgiver.” The Pharisees were shocked that He pronounced that her sins were forgiven. Only God had the power of forgiveness!

This “party crasher” was so completely overwhelmed with remorse and gratitude for the Master that she willingly risked punishment in order to demonstrate her great love and faith.

When I close my eyes and picture this dear woman, I can only view myself in her place. I too have sins that need forgiveness and tears that fall onto the Master’s feet.

This is one party crasher whose name we will never know, yet her deeds will forever be remembered.

—Barbara Hyland, guest writer