Listen to this devotion
The Sinful Woman — Faith, Forgiveness, Freedom
Her Story: Luke 7:36-50
In the Word
… a woman of the city, who was a sinner, … brought an alabaster flask of ointment … (Luke 7:37).
Of the Word
Luke’s gospel tells the story of a sinful woman, a party crasher, who demonstrated her love for Jesus in surprising, controversial, and unexpected ways. First of all, she went to Jesus in tears. Her tears fell on His dusty feet, and she wiped them with her long, unbound hair. Then she opened a jar of expensive perfume and poured it on His feet. The strong aroma filled the room.
Guests were astonished; some were critical. After all, they knew her history: sinner, prostitute, outcast. But Jesus knew her heart — a loving and repentant heart, a forgiven heart. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” He said (Luke 7:50b).
His loving words are for us, too. No matter how terrible the sin, no matter how heavy the load of guilt, no matter how long or how far we’ve carried it, Jesus offers forgiveness. The sinful woman left the party free and forgiven. By God’s grace and through faith in Him, we, too, are free and forgiven.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Jesus, I have sinned against You in many ways. But I trust in You and in Your love and forgiveness. Now help me live for You. In Your name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 26/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
