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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week we looked at the lives and “ministry” of a number of women involved in Jesus’ life. Luke seems to intentionally write of them more than any other gospel, noting how, as Jesus traveled the countryside with his disciples, women accompanied them and served Jesus, the Twelve and I’m sure tending to those being fed, healed, etc. ( Luke 8:1-3)
Meals are a major setting for Jesus’ ministry in Luke, where you would naturally assume women would be heavily involved in “serving.” In fact, Jesus was criticized for his involvement in these revelries as “a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” ( Luke 7:34 & 15:1) Jesus was indeed willing to be companionable with all types of people, not because he preferred the company of the riff raff of society but to speak to their hearts and souls; showing them a better way to live while encouraging them to heed his call to “Follow me.” The Latin for companion being com – with, and panis – bread; one with whom you break bread or share a meal.1
Three times Luke records Jesus as invited to dine with Pharisees, indicating – if not allegiance – then at least curiosity about his life and teachings. Many were frustrated by him because he openly defined piety differently than they did, interpreting the Law itself differently in subtle but significant ways. He emphasized people over mere obedience to arbitrary rules, they separated themselves from sinners while he befriended them.
A case in point would be the Pharisee Simon, who invited Jesus to his home for a meal, but then proceeded to insult him with intentional slights to emphasize his superior status. He didn’t welcome Jesus with the customary kiss of peace on the cheek and failed to provide water to cleanse his feet or scented oil to refresh him from the rigors of the day. All ways of establishing himself as the top dog while relegating Jesus to a position well below that.
To make things even more interesting, “a woman from the city, a sinner” entered the dining hall, surely without an invitation, and began to tearfully minister to Jesus’ needs. Literally washing Jesus’ feet with tears of gratitude and wiping them dry with her hair. Not stopping there, she worshipfully kissed them and soothed them with priceless oil. Simon and others were understandably shocked, especially considering her past history. (Presumed by many to be prostitution.)
Jesus responded to Simon’s question of propriety by telling him a story of two men who couldn’t pay their debts. One owed a good deal more than the other but both debts were forgiven. When Jesus asked which man would be more appreciative, Simon answered “…the one who had the largest debt cancelled.” Luke 7:43 Jesus agreed, but added a personal note to the story by comparing Simon’s treatment of him with that of the woman’s. She doing all the simple acts of hospitality the prideful Simon refused to do.
In looking at this woman, Simon saw an unredeemable sinner, Jesus recognized a painfully broken woman. Evidently hearing Jesus offer of grace and mercy at a previous time, she responded appreciatively; expressing joy and thankfulness in an exuberant manner that would make people today uncomfortable. But unrestrained exuberance is often the response of people who know beyond the shadow of a doubt they don’t deserve mercy but then encounter the God of second chances, He who sees us as we are meant to be rather than who we’ve been. Like the woman “caught in the act of adultery”; who likewise deserved harsh punishment. ( John 8:4) But instead of condemning them, Jesus set them free – not to continue in sin (See Galatians 5:13) – but saved from it and its punishment, to live a redeemed life. ( John 8:11 See also Romans 6:1,2) Thus the love, excitement, and over-the-top expression of gratitude we all should feel over our salvation.
And then there’s Ephesians 5, which is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied pieces of scripture in the New Testament. And while not quoting Christ, it does reflect the church’s understanding of Jesus’ teaching on family dynamics. Some have used it to keep women in their place, others use it to lambast men in particular, and the church in general regarding marriage. As usual, if proponents of both sides were to read all the scripture relating to this topic, they would see what Christ and the church have taught men and women concerning their place in the grand scheme of things and how they can both live genuinely full lives. (Paul, a member of the earliest church, and supposedly “anti-woman”, openly commemorated Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Julia, Rufus’ mother and Nereus’ sister as women who had worked very hard in assisting his ministry. Romans 16:1-18)
“Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:22 We really don’t like that concept today. But in this case, it’s not about having no say or letting yourself be walked all over, but relinquishing control by deferring to another’s judgement or decision. Ideally it’s about listening, considering and allowing the most sensible plan to proceed, hopefully with input from all involved. In the end, however, something must be done, someone’s plan submitted to. Biblically, the man should be allowed the final say, not necessarily because he’s the smartest but because he is expected to learn how to base his decisions on, “…lov(ing) your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” Ephesians 5:25
If that doesn’t work satisfactorily, try again, remembering the old adage that ‘The man is the head, but the woman is the neck that turns the head.’ It’s all about love and respect – mutual submission. That’s not always been the message of the church or individuals within it, but that remains the standard.
That standard should be the goal of all our relationships, thus the injunction for children to obey their parents and the caution to parents not to “exasperate” their children. Even slaves, somewhat equivalent to employees today, are told to work hard for their masters (employers), “…as if you were serving the Lord.” Masters were likewise instructed to treat their slaves with consideration and even appreciation, in time those sentiments solving the slave issue altogether. ( Ephesians 6:1,4, 7 & 9 See also Philemon)
It all boils down to, “Show(ing) proper respect to everyone.” 1 Peter 2:17 Combined with genuine expressions of true sacrificial love, which does, “…no harm to,…” anyone. Love being the “fulfillment of the law.”; for the Jew and the Christian alike. ( Romans 13:10 & James 2:8) Which necessitates a willingness to, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
1From Adam Hamilton’s study of Luke, Abingdon Press
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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