Life is messy
Do you ever look around and feel like everyone else has it together, but you’re just a mess? Have you ever wondered how other people seem to manage their lives with grace and ease, seemingly always poised, but you struggle to find two socks that match or ever show up on time? Or maybe you feel discouraged when you compare your faith to someone else…they seem so devoted, so committed, so in love with Jesus, but you haven’t picked up your Bible in ages? If someone ever asks, “Are you all in?”, you might just turn and run!
I get it! Having lived in a land of comparison for much of my life, I have been afraid to stand my ground and live with boldness. I felt ‘less than’ often and it caused me to shrink back and do little. As a result, I let go of dreams and desires because voices louder than mine relayed perceived messages of disapproval, mockery or simple inconvenience. I was timid and learned how to fly under the radar to avoid the unwanted tension.
A story to ponder
Let’s look at an ancient story, recorded for us in the book of Luke, which depicts a woman who was ‘all in’. Jesus was reclining at a religious leader’s house, ready to have dinner with those gathered there. In attendance were men kibitzing about political and religious affairs; the only women present were likely those serving the meal. Into this scene walks a woman well known for her ‘sinful life’ of prostitution. Simon, the host, was indignant at the uninvited presence of such a vile sinner who not only interrupted their meal, but inappropriately displayed her affection for Jesus. She brought with her an expensive jar of perfume, pouring its contents over her Master’s feet. She wept tears of love and devotion as she wiped them with her long, unbound hair. Meanwhile, Jesus received her lavish affection and chastised the silent judgement in the room.
She was gutsy
I love this woman! She displayed so much courage and tenacity! Talk about ‘all in’! As someone who has watched from a distance much of my life, I respect her ability to walk into that scene, intent on her purpose. Hebrew women in Jesus’ day had little status and less influence. Any woman was unwelcome at that table, let alone one of her reputation, but with her heart set on Jesus, she was confident to interrupt as she did. She went against popular opinion and the cultural norms of the day. Nothing and no one mattered more to her than Jesus. Her actions imply that the two of them had met previously and in the freedom his forgiveness had bought, she came to show her gratitude.
This woman’s actions beg the question of our response. I have slinked away from too many conversations believing my opinion was not valid, undermining my inherent value and worth. Fear became my friend, convincing me I should keep my head down and do as I’m told. How about you? Do you live gutsy and bold, led by your convictions and desire to be at Jesus’ feet? If you’re like me, the answer is likely no, but that isn’t the end. Let’s keep looking at this story to see what else we can learn about living ‘all in’.
Her act was costly
As our leading lady entered the scene that day, she was ready to lay everything down. Imagine with me what may have been going on as she strode up the walk: People whispered as they noticed her, pulling their children away like she was infectious. An old woman with straggly grey hair and a mouth void of teeth spat at her while she passed. Boyish men cast sideways glances, wondering what it would be like to be with someone like her. She noticed all of it, but none of it at the same time. Her heart pounding, she entered the open doorway, eyes scanning for him, only him, always him.
She brought everything she had. Her past, filled with guilt and shame, was no longer the stage on which she stood. Jesus had washed it all away with his words of forgiveness and rich grace. She felt and knew that his love instantly changed everything she had ever known. For that reason, she didn’t care that she entered a home where she was unwelcome. The jar, tucked under her arm, was a tool of her former trade and she was now ready to pour it out as a small token for all she had received from him. Some surmise its value at $60,000 USD – an exorbitant amount, recklessly poured out…all in. As she wept, kissing and wiping his feet, Jesus spoke words of truth and acceptance into the room. None could fault her in the presence of his charge; he applauded her vulnerable act of devotion.
Her faith-filled action
We see humility, repentance and trust come alive in the retelling of this story. In the likelihood that Jesus had forgiven the woman on a previous meeting, we hear him offer it again. I find, however, that I often need persuading when it comes to my acceptance before the Lord. Perhaps it was the same in this scenario. For her own benefit, but also for the instruction of those present, he offered his mercy again. It was her faith-filled, ‘all-in’ act of surrender that Jesus responded to that day. It wasn’t the emotion of the moment or a desire to stir the political pot, but a divine interplay between a submitted heart and a loving God. He then told her to “go in peace.” Jesus was blessing her to take her newly washed self into the streets and live differently, to display that she was ‘all in’ for the love of her Jesus. 
All in?
It stirs my heart to think about this story again. I am certain that her inclusion in the gospel narrative is a prompt for us to look deeper. If Jesus honoured her over two millennia ago, we too, should glean what we can from her honest approach. As we look at her gutsy and costly faith, what is percolating in you?
- Where do I shrink back when it would be better to step out in word or deed?
- In what areas of my life do I let fear reign because of my assumptions and perceptions?
- What do I need to lay down to prioritize Christ in my life?
- Are there things I hold on to because I am trying to build my security?
- Am I willing to risk obedience when prompted by God?
- Can I trust his love and forgiveness to provide security so I can ‘go in peace’?
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You are not alone.
