e not the rich and the
powerful," Jesus was saying. "Very often our nation has listened to
God's voice only after defeat in war. When men know they are weak, they
turn to God."

"Is this your purpose in going about and preaching to the people of
Galilee?" asked Symeon. Everyone listened for the answer.

"I am sent to tell our people that God is their rightful King. His power
is present among us," answered Jesus plainly. "But most of you will not
take my message seriously. You trust other gods, and your hearts are
hard."

The Pharisees looked at one another. Some were puzzled, others offended.
"But surely you misunderstand us. We keep the Law very carefully," said
Symeon.

"If you are really a teacher sent from God, how can you mix with
outcasts?" The young Pharisee's question was blunt.

"I am not here to call the righteous to repent," answered Jesus, his
eyes accusing the young man. "I am here to call sinners!" Irony came
into his voice. "People who are healthy don't need a doctor. It is the
sick who need help. It is to them that I am sent."

The room was tense, but before anyone could ask another question,
Symeon's attention was drawn away. He glanced around the room. It
sounded as though someone were weeping! He examined the shadowy corners
where the light of the candles did not reach. At that moment a woman
stepped swiftly toward Jesus and dropped to her knees.

Jesus turned and looked at her. He had not known she was hiding in the
darkness behind him. Her tears fell on his feet. She loosed the cord
that tied her hair. With its long waves she gently wiped Jesus' feet.

Symeon, usually dignified, was irritated. "What kind of nonsense is
this?" he asked as he rose from his couch.

Jesus turned to him. "Do not rebuke her," he requested. _That is the
trouble with leaving the door open_, thought Symeon. _Women like this
are bound to get in_. Everyone there knew her. She had a bad reputation
in the city. Symeon felt humiliated to have such a person in his house.
_This Nazarene certainly knows all the worst people_, reflected the
young Pharisee cynically.

Suddenly a lovely fragrance filled the room. The woman had broken open a
bottle of precious perfume and recklessly poured every drop on Jesus'
feet.

_Such waste!_ thought Symeon angrily, realizing what she had done. _I
wonder if the Nazarene has any idea where she got the money to buy this
oil!_ But he said nothing because he was very polite.

Jesus turn