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Jesus had been invited to a meal at a Pharisee's house. Though it was evening, they ate in the courtyard, because it was too hot to eat in the house. After they had eaten, they would go inside while the poor and the beggars would come in off the streets to grab all the remaining food. A good host always provided "far too much" food so to impress his guests.

1. The woman who gate-crashed'

"The Living Bible" states, 'As they sat down to eat, a woman of the streets - a prostitute - heard that Jesus was there and brought an exquisite flask filled with expensive perfume. Going in, she knelt behind him at his feet. weeping, with her tears falling down upon his feet; she wiped them off with her hair and kissed them and poured the perfume on them.' (vs. 37-38). The Pharisee host was shocked - especially with Jesus actually allowing this woman to touch Him. Jesus challenged His host's reaction to her!

2. The woman's worth is recognised by Jesus

Jesus says to the host, "You didn't bother to offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You refused me the customary kiss of  greeting but she has kissed my feet again and again. You neglected the usual courtesy of olive oil! to anoint my head, but she has covered my feet with rare perfume." (vs. 44-46). The perfume may well have been bought from her immoral earnings, but it was a demonstration of her love and commitment to Jesus.
He saw beyond her sinful life • to a person of worth.

3. The woman's faith is rewarded

Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (vs. 48&50). She gate-crashed the meal in her deepest need. She had never experienced love or peace in prostitution. She came in faith, and found forgiveness and peace of heart. You don't have to be 'good enough' to come to Jesus. Come first, and He will meet your deepest need.