Section 2
of this incident, we see that Jesus, the Man- Savior, conducted Himself in His human virtues. He was not at all bothered by that sinful woman, even when "she began to wet His feet with her tears, and to wipe them with the hair of her head" and when "she kissed His feet affectionately and anointed them with the ointment" (v. 38). If we had been the Lord Jesus, we probably would have been troubled by the behavior of this woman. We might have said to her, "Don't you know that I am a guest in this house? Can't you see that I am eating?" However, to act in that way would be to fail to act in the proper human virtues. In this situation the Man-Savior was very kind and patient, realizing that this woman had been con victed of her sins.
He was also merciful. People often speak about love, but rarely about mercy. Mercy, however, is more tender than love. To be merciful is to sym pathize with others in their poor condition and low estate.
In addition to exercising kindness, patience, and mercy toward the woman, the Lord Jesus also exercised His understanding. Often we fail to understand others, but the Lord Jesus was very understanding in the case of this woman. Fur thermore, He was wise and loving.