The woman in this story inspires me by her ability to be so real. As I was meditating on these verses this morning, I wondered if one of the keys to being authentic is holiness. Webster defines authenticity as the quality of being genuine, and many Biblical scholars define holiness as absolute perfection. Relevantly, this woman had embraced her new identity of holiness in Christ, and therefore was free to be authentic even though she had “lived a sinful life." Courageously, she vulnerably shares her ‘perfectly imperfect' humanity with Jesus in front of the most religious leaders of that day!
The fact that she understood she had been made holy, is amazing because everybody knew about her sordid past. In fact, before her encounter with Jesus, her reputation had earned her a living. It appears that encountering Jesus’ perfect love and forgiveness gave her a new sense of being. In the presence of Jesus’ judgment-free compassion, her prior identity of shame was replaced with an identity of holiness. Formerly, she worked in the dark. In the presence of Divine Light, she is free to express herself openly and without holding back!.
Not only does she no longer feel the need to hide, but in this story we are told that she goes, without an invitation, to the home of a Pharisee – one of the most judgmental people in that town! She seizes the opportunity to encounter Jesus, in spite of what other invited guests may think. She does not trade in her authenticity for their approval. She no longer fears judgment, because she knows she is perfectly lovable – regardless of what she has done in her past.
She is willing to be seen, to risk exposure. Cold stares of criticism from the religious leaders dining with Jesus do not stop her, because she no longer sees herself through eyes of condemnation. She does not apologize, explain, or feel the need to defend herself. Without shame, she unabashedly demonstrates her affection in the presence of absolute Perfection Himself. No longer defined by her past, she is not afraid to present her ‘real self’ in intimate proximity to the God of the Universe. Identified in Jesus, and resting in His forgiveness, she is both holy and authentic.
Lord, may we learn from this woman, “with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self…and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Thank you that we are without blemish and free from accusation because we have been reconciled through Christ’s death. You paid the price for our holiness so that we can express ourselves without reserve. Help us to walk in our freedom! Amen.
Until next time, God Bless! ~ Deb