Sheer grace. Those are the words the Heidelberg Catechism uses to describe the miracle of forgiveness and acceptance that comes when we put our trust in Jesus.

Perhaps no other gospel story illustrates the magnificent miracle of grace more than this one from Luke. A certain Simon, a Pharisee, has invited Jesus to dinner, perhaps with just a bit of skepticism. Who is this man, really?

When everyone is seated at the table eating---or reclining, as was the custom---a women slips into the room. (This was possible because rooms were often much more open than those in our houses today.) She is described as a woman "who lived a sinful life," probably meaning that she was publically known as a sinner, perhaps a prostitute.

Carrying an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, she drew near to where Jesus was reclining. And for a moment she just stood there, weeping. Then she bent over, her tears spilling onto Jesus' feet, and began to wipe them with her hair. But not even this was enough to express her feelings, so she began to kiss his feet and pour the perfume on them.

How astonishing! If this were done today at someone's dinner party it would be equally remarkable and offensive. And, of course, the men around the table are horrified and embarrassed. Simon thinks, "If this man were the prophet they say he is, he would know what kind of woman this is and put a stop to it." Yet Jesus calmly receives her outpoured love and devotion.

No one knows what to say, so Jesus breaks the astonished silence by addressing Simon in the form of a simple story. Two servants are forgiven a debt, one fifty and the other a hundred denarii. Then Jesus poses a question for Simon: "Which of them loved him more?" Well, who can evade such a question? Of course it's the one forgiven the greater debt.

Now Jesus closes in. He turns to the woman and looks at her (for the first time?). He reminds Simon that he has neglected to show the basic hospitality of providing a way for Jesus to wash his feet on his arrival at dinner. But this woman now washes them with her tears and wipes them with her hair.

Then Jesus pulls the trip wire on all their thinking. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven---as her great love has shown." Yes, her many sins are now forgiven. It isn't that they're forgiven because of the great love she's shown, but her great love displays the forgiveness she has already received through the grace of Jesus. The forgiveness is the gift of grace she has received by believing in Jesus' word. Then, for good measure, he assures her: "Your sins are forgiven," and "Your faith has saved you, go in peace." Q&A 42 asks how we are made right with God. The answer is sheer grace. And that means that the life we live for Jesus is all tears of gratitude and the perfume of love.