What can we learn from the woman's actions about worship and devotion to Christ? A glimpse into Luke 7:37 “When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.” She came despite her past • Luke calls her “a sinful woman,” yet she refused to stay away from Jesus. • Her courage echoes Hebrews 4:16—“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Lesson: Worship begins when we believe Christ welcomes repentant sinners exactly as we are. She brought something costly • The alabaster jar was valuable (Mark 14:5). She did not bring leftovers. • 2 Samuel 24:24 reminds us, “I will not offer… to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Genuine devotion gladly surrenders what is precious—time, resources, reputation. She humbled herself at His feet • Posture matters: “she stood behind Jesus at His feet” (Luke 7:38). • Psalm 95:6 invites, “Come, let us bow down in worship.” • Bending low declares His supremacy and our dependence. She poured out real emotion • Tears flowed before perfume did. Her broken heart fulfilled Psalm 51:17—“A broken and contrite heart… You will not despise.” • God is honored by authenticity, not performance. • Worship that moves the heart often starts with a heart that has been moved. She used her glory to serve His • “She… wiped them with her hair.” A woman’s hair was considered her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15). • She laid personal glory at Christ’s feet, illustrating Romans 12:1—“offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • All we are and have becomes an instrument for His honor. She lavished love, not measured courtesy • She “kissed His feet” repeatedly (Greek tense implies ongoing action). • Her unabashed affection answers Jesus’ later words: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father” (John 14:21). • Devotion is meant to be extravagant, not calculated. She ignored public opinion • Pharisees judged; she worshiped. • Galatians 1:10 asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?” • True worship listens for Christ’s approval, not the crowd’s. Jesus affirmed her worship • He declared, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48–50) • The Savior receives repentant, faith-filled praise and responds with forgiveness and peace. Key takeaways for our own devotion • Come as you are, but come. • Bring your best—costly, heartfelt offerings. • Bow low; He is worthy. • Let emotion show; repentance and love belong in worship. • Lay personal glory at His feet. • Choose Christ’s approval over human applause. • Remember: He still speaks peace and pardon to those who worship Him this way. |
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