Definition: And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 7:38. It’s a really significant moment in Jesus’ ministry and it’s packed with symbolism! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Story: This verse describes Jesus performing a very intimate and humbling act of service to Mary Magdalene. What Happened: He stood behind her: Jesus is showing Mary Magdalene that he is deeply concerned about her. He’s recognizing her as someone important to him. Weeping: He’s visibly moved by her presence, and begins to cry – a sign of deep emotion. Washing his feet: This is the key part. He's meticulously washing each of Mary Magdalene’s dirty feet with tears. It’s not just a simple wash; it's an incredibly symbolic act. Wiping with hairs of her head: He’s wiping each foot with the very strands of her hair! This is a powerful image – he’s showing her that he cares about her deeply, and he’s offering her something precious. It represents his love and attention being completely focused on her. Kissing his feet: He then gently kisses her feet. Anointing with ointment: Finally, he applies a special ointment (likely made of herbs or oils) to each of her feet. This is the most dramatic part – it’s like a blessing and a symbol of his love and devotion. What It Represents (The Symbolism): This entire scene is a powerful representation of: Jesus' Love & Concern: The primary message is that Jesus truly cares about Mary Magdalene. He doesn’t just see her as a friend, but as someone worthy of his attention and affection. His Sacrifice: The act of washing her feet symbolizes the sacrifice He made for humanity – He offered himself to die for our sins. The Importance of Service: It demonstrates that Jesus' love isn’t limited to being with us; He wants to be involved in the lives of those he loves. In short, this verse is a beautiful and deeply moving scene that shows Jesus’ profound love and care for Mary Magdalene. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Gospel? Give you another example of a similar story from the Bible?