Adapted from, She, Volume 1/p71-72
Read: Luke 7:36-50
We do not know with certainty who the woman of the city was or why she was referred to as “a sinner.” However, we do know that she was aware she was a sinner in need of a Savior, and she understood that Jesus, the guest of Simon the Pharisee, was the only one who could save her. Because of this knowledge, she risked much, if not everything, to reach Him – and then she humbled herself in a posture and action of worship.
We also know, as our study guide points out that:
- She did not come to Him empty-handed
- She brought with her an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. (Luke 7:37)
Those who understand the forgiveness of Jesus react in humility and love, not hedonism1 or arrogance.
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- She had faith in who Jesus was and what He could do for her.
- As she stood behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfumed oil. (Luke 7:38)
- She wasn’t just enamored with who Jesus was, but “She wept over her sin at the feet of Jesus.” (quote from: She, Volume 1/p71)
- As she stood behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfumed oil. (Luke 7:38)
- She knew she was a sinner in need of a Savior.
- We know this because of what Jesus says to her: “Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.'”… 50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48 & 50)
- We do not need to know what her sins were, but we must not miss that
- “Jesus saw her faith and forgave her of all that she had done.”2
- And then He spoke to her the best message she would ever hear, a message that would forever change her from the inside out and free her to go in peace, no longer tortured by her sin, and no longer controlled by the judgment or acceptance of ‘man’.
- “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)
- “ Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)
- We do not need to know what her sins were, but we must not miss that
- We know this because of what Jesus says to her: “Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.'”… 50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48 & 50)
Friends, I know from experience that when we truly understand the depths of our sin and lay them at the feet of Jesus, we receive the forgiveness of God. We hear Him say, “Your sins are forgiven, go in peace,“ and we are forever changed from the inside out. Paul declares that we are “New creations!” He says, “The old is gone, the new has come.”3 Like the woman in the city, we can go in peace – no longer called “sinner”… and as Matthew West sings so beautifully, we are no longer known as “too far gone” but saved by grace and called by a new name: Chosen child of God! I don’t know about you, but I’m shouting a big Hallelujah and thank You, Jesus! How about you?
If you have not placed your faith in Jesus and would like to know the way to this life-changing peace, please message me and let me tell you about my Jesus. You can also check out “Know These Truths” about the way to Jesus. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so let today be the day. If it is, let me know – I have a free gift I would like to send to you help you get started in your walk of faith.
Me From the Inside Out 