I try to place myself into the story. Which character in the narrative am I and what do I need to learn or understand? In different seasons of life, I may be a different character in the same story and learn from a different perspective.
In the gospel story of Mary Magdalene approaching Jesus at a dinner at a Pharisee’s house (Luke 7, Mark 14), who am I in this story? Maybe I am one of the hostesses cooking in the kitchen. Maybe I am one of the townspeople who passes Mary on the street without acknowledging her. In today’s society, it’s possible I’m one of the people sitting at the dinner table discussing politics and religion.
Funny thing is, I’ve never considered myself Mary, the woman with a bad reputation who wasn’t invited to dinner. I can’t be Mary in the story. I’ve been going to church for years. I study my Bible. I do good things.
In this story, I’m one of the religious.
The religious invite Jesus to dinner but do not honor him.
Then he 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. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Luke 7:36-38
The religious organize charitable causes but have no charity.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Luke 7:39
The religious fan-follow Jesus and crowd around him but do not understand who he is.
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him (Jesus). John 6:66
The religious talk theology and memorize scripture but have forgotten why they need a Savior.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23
Am I Mary Magdalene?
It is only when I realize who I am in the story of Jesus that I can approach the Lord and come close to him to kiss his feet. It is only when I walk into a room weeping in repentance in front of those who mock my brokenness that I begin to sit at his feet. It is only when I pour out a fragrant offering of worship and gratitude that I bless the one who blesses me.
In the story of Jesus, I am the sinner. I am Mary Magdalene. Every moment of every day, I need a Savior.
Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven…
And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:49, 50
Copyright @ TA Boland 2023
Image: Unsplash
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