Alabaster Flask: A Forgiven Heart - A Story of Love and Grace
In Luke 7:36–50, we find one of the most beautiful pictures of forgiveness in the Bible. Jesus is invited into the home of Simon the Pharisee, a respected religious leader. During the meal, a woman known in the community for her sinful life enters quietly, carrying an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Overwhelmed with emotion, she stands behind Jesus weeping, letting her tears fall upon His feet. With deep humility, she wipes His feet with her hair, kisses them, and pours out her precious perfume.
Simon questions Jesus’ willingness to accept such an act from someone with a sinful reputation. But Jesus responds with a gentle story about two people who owed money — one who owed little and one who owed much. Both debts were forgiven. Jesus asks Simon which debtor would love the forgiver more. The answer is clear: the one who was forgiven much.
The woman’s actions showed great love because she understood the depth of Jesus’ forgiveness. While others judged her, Jesus saw her heart. He honored her faith, proclaimed her sins forgiven, and blessed her with the words, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
This story reminds us that Jesus welcomes everyone — no matter their past. His forgiveness brings new life and fills our hearts with love and gratitude.
Memory Verse
“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
3 Lessons to Learn
1. No one is too broken for Jesus.
The woman carried a painful past, but Jesus welcomed her with compassion. Our failures never disqualify us from His grace.
2. True worship comes from a grateful heart.
Her act of pouring perfume and wiping Jesus’ feet was not about impressing others — it was pure love flowing from a forgiven heart.
3. Forgiveness changes how we love.
Jesus said, “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” When we realize how much He has forgiven us, our lives overflow with love, humility, and service.
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