His Feet

A sermon for Ash Wednesday


The feet were about 33 years old. The had stood in the temple, when teachers questioned him. They had endured 40 rough days, as Jesus was tempted in the desert. They had cold water pass over them, as John baptized Jesus, for our righteousness’ sake. They also had walked over the top of Lake Galilee. They had walked upon the side of small mountains, in order that people could hear Him, and walked up another mountain, so that Peter James and John could hear the Father. They walked the length and breadth of the land of Israel, through tiny villages, and in the cities. They brought the incredible message of life, to people who knew only suffering.

They were the feet prophesied about in the Old Testament,

Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV) 7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

In today’s gospel lesson, one lady found those feet beautiful, so beautiful that she could not but show her love, her adoration, her care, for those feet, and the message they brought her.

Up to that day, she lived a life, that ignored the fact that God reigns. Everyone knew she was a sinner, matter of fact, people like her were often used as an example of walking in sin, ignoring the commandments of God. For her, to receive the message that her sins were forgiven, that she could live in God’s kingdom forever, brought her to her knees.
The complete joy of knowing she was free from condemnation changed her. The incredibly expensive perfume that regularly was part of her life attracting men, was now poured out on his feet – for those feet brought the message of salvation. She knew that she had been rescued, that she had been delivered. Her response was one of awe, and of inexpressible joy, joy that poured itself out in the tears that washed his feet. She worshipped the God, whose life reigned over hers.

Her example is shown today, and lifted up over that of the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dinner. Not because she did something extraordinary, or sacrificial. It is why she did it- she knew – she believed, she had faith, she trusted in the incredible message that she heard because those feet brought him close to her. Feet that would ensure her salvation, as they are pierced to a cross, where Jesus would die. For her, for us.

TO bring us into the incredible Kingdom of God!

AMEN!