Bible Verse: Luke 7:37-38

37A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

The story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. In this account found in Luke 7:36-50, Jesus was dining at the house of a Pharisee named Simon when a woman, described as having lived a sinful life (likely a prostitute or someone known for moral failings), entered the house. She brought with her an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Weeping, she stood behind Jesus, began to wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume.

Simon, the Pharisee, thought to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know what kind of woman was touching Him and wouldn’t allow it. However, Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, told a parable about two people who owed money—one a large debt and the other a smaller debt—and how the one forgiven of the larger debt would love the lender more. Jesus explained that the woman’s actions were a reflection of her deep gratitude for the forgiveness she had received. He pointed out how, although Simon had not shown Him basic hospitality, the woman had gone above and beyond in showing love and devotion. Jesus then told the woman, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This story highlights themes of devotion, repentance, and worship. The sinful woman’s act of anointing Jesus was not just an expression of love, but of deep repentance and gratitude. She recognized her brokenness and, knowing the forgiveness Jesus offered, responded with overwhelming devotion. Her worship was both sacrificial—pouring out expensive perfume—and humble, as she used her tears and hair to wash His feet.”

I write this blog because I, too, have experienced the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Like the woman in Luke 7, who poured out her gratitude at Jesus’ feet, I have been forgiven much and given a fresh start—a new beginning with a renewed mind and heart. God, in His boundless mercy, never gave up on me. He never turned His back on me or forgot about me, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My love for the Lord comes from a deep place of repentance and awe for His grace. When His love fills your heart, it changes everything. You can’t help but want to share that life-changing love with others, and that’s exactly what inspires me to write and encourage through this blog.

The Lesson: The lesson we can draw from the sinful woman, is that true devotion comes from a heart that recognizes its need for grace and responds with love. It also shows us that worship is not reserved for those who are “perfect” or sinless, but for anyone who turns to Jesus in faith, seeking forgiveness. No matter our past, we can approach Jesus with humility, gratitude, and devotion, knowing that He offers forgiveness and peace. You can apply the lesson from the sinful woman’s story by recognizing your need for God’s grace and responding with humility and love. Approach Jesus in prayer and worship, trusting that He accepts you as you are, without judgment. Express your gratitude through acts of worship, whether it’s through serving others, offering your time, or simply giving thanks in prayer. Trust in His complete forgiveness, letting go of guilt or shame from the past, and live in the peace He provides. Finally, let your love for God overflow into how you treat others, reflecting the grace and love you’ve received from Christ.