Week 3: Death

A Sinful Woman

Were you able to wash someone’s feet this week? I hope so.

What was that experience like?

Was it humbling? Encouraging? Disgusting?

I have found it much more intimate and emotional than I expected. Some of that feeling in us subconsciously might keep us from practicing foot-washing despite its prevalence in the Bible and throughout church history. Paul seems to assume it’s practice in 1 Timothy 5:10, but the passage in the NT that always catches my attention regarding foot-washing is Luke 7:36-50 where a sinful woman washes Jesus' feet at the Pharisee’s table. She pours out the alabaster jar of perfume, which was likely her whole life’s value upon the feet of Jesus, and, in doing so, receives salvation. She dies at the feet of Jesus only to find the way to true life.

As you read through the passage, imagine yourself in her place.

Pay special attention to the details of the story.

Listen for crucifixion in her foot washing.