The Woman Who Lived A Sinful Life

Day 1

The Woman Who Lived A Sinful Life

She was a notorious sinner, possibly a prostitute or adulteress. Rather than trying to defend what was indefensible in her life, she admitted her sin and made a spectacle of herself in a passionate display of love and gratitude.

Her sorrow: That she had offended God so grievously.

Her Joy: That Jesus forgave her sins and commended her for her great faith and love.

Luke 7:36-50

A Sinful Woman Forgiven
36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Day 2
Washing Feet

This is one of thirteen instances that Scripture talks about washing one's feet. The sinful woman did not act reserved for the lowest, most inexperienced servant of the household.

Most people in Palestine wore sandals or went barefoot, so their feet were constantly dirty from the dust of the roads and fields. When they went into a house, they removed their sandals at the door. A good host or hostess made sure guests' feet were washed as soon as they entered the home. A basin of cool water and a towel were all the equipment that were required. After walking on hot dusty roads, the foot washing provided not only clean feet for entering a home but also a refreshing start to a visit.

When the three visitors came to Abraham when he was living "near the great trees of Mamre" (doesn't that sound like a wonderful place to live?), Abraham provided water for them to wash their feet (Genesis 18:1-5). There are several other stories about washing feet. You can find them in Genesis 19: 1-3, 24:32, 43:24. In Exodus 30:19 -21 the priests were told they must always wash their feet and hands before going into the Temple.

Not surprisingly, the list of good deeds that New Testament widows should be known for included washing the feet of the saints.

The fact that foot washing was a task reserved for the lowest servant in the household makes Jesus' act of washing the disciples feet (John 13) all the more poignant. His simple act shocked them and showed them in the clearest way possible how to be a servant leader. Washing. Touching feet fouled by dust and grime. Kneeling before those who by rights should kneel before him!

Today, there may be a task on your list of things to do that you would rather not do. Maybe a different approach would help. Today, that task can be an offering to your Lord. After all, it is not the task that is important, it is what is in your heart when you do it. How can you be a light today? How can you become a servant to someone who needs a refreshing start?

Day 3
The Sinful Woman's legacy in Scripture

Luke 7:36 - 43

What do you think the woman was looking for when she came to see Jesus at Simon's house? Attention? Forgiveness? An opportunity to express her love? Do you think everyone at the dinner knew who and what she was?

Describe what sort of feelings this woman might have had as she entered the house. When have you felt that way? Were you brave enough to continue like this woman did, or did you stop? Describe the situation and your actions.

How willing are you to be totally transparent in your worship? What should need to happen to make you as open in expressing your love for Jesus as this woman was?

Describe the Pharisee's attitude toward Jesus and toward the sinful woman. Who are you more like: the judgemental Pharisee or the broken woman?

In what ways can you be understanding and sympathetic toward those whose lives have been shattered by sin, like this woman? Toward those whose lives are characterized by judging others, like the Pharisee, who needs forgiveness more?

Jesus made this woman an example to Simon. Has there been a time when you have felt insignificant and someone has made an example of you? How did you feel?

What way do you prepare your guests for a refreshing visit? What do you like from a host when you visit them? If you have a minute, let me know. I am always open to learning how to be a better host and servant to my guests. I will post all the answers for reference. Thanks.

I will start. I always try to have nice music, clean front room and kitchen and yummy food or candle scents. I love it when I visit a home that make me feel welcome by a lovely greeting (smile and a hug). I appreciate an environment that is open for fellowship.

Day 4

Though this woman was a notorious sinner, she recognized her great need for grace. Repentance turned her world on its head, opening up an entirely new view of things. Simon, by contrast, was a religious man who, no doubt, had done his best to live a respectable life. His sin was tucked away, hidden even from himself. His habit of judging others had formed a fence around his one-dimensional view of the universe, shielding his neat and orderly life from the unpredictable power of grace.

But Simon and the woman both owed a debt they could not possibly repay. Though Simon's sin was less obvious, it was the more dangerous. He was like a man who was following a map he was certain would lead to heaven - but when heaven came down and walked into his house, he didn't even know it. The woman realized just how lost she had been. Forgiven much, she loved much. She found heaven at the feet of Jesus.

Luke 7:47
47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

Praise God for the power of forgiveness in your own life.
Offer thanks to God for he is still ready to forgive you no matter how frequently or seriously you sin.
Confess any self-righteousness that has crept into your life.
Ask God to protect you against pride, to enable you to see your sins and believe in his desire and power to forgive you.

Day 5

Lift your heart
How long has it been since tears of repentance have washed your soul? Do you spend more time lingering over the failings of others? This act of harshness towards others will not only separate you from others, it will dry up your love for God.

Now is a good time to write down all those you have judged. Release your judgements against them and ask god to forgive you for these acts. Next time you start to pass judgement, make sure to remember this exercise. When you are finding it hard to love others, take the time to repent from your attitude of judgement and you will find it easier to love them.

Dear Lord,
this week was a lesson to the innermost of my being. Lord, I praise you for those who have loved me and not judged me. Lord I praise you for your love and your mercy. Lord, please forgive me for those I have not given grace and mercy to. Please continue to give me a spirit of love and acceptance to all who you place in my path. I will continue to worship you daily in all things, even those tasks that seem so tedious, I will open up my home to be a place where others will be welcome, no matter their sin, no matter their status, for, in the end, we are all your children, deserving of the same loving kindness that was revealed in this story of a woman who lived a sinful life.