The Sinful Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet – Love That Flows from Forgiveness
Text: Luke 7:36–50 (ESV)
Series: Unnamed Women of the Bible – Part 7
Introduction: A Scandalous Scene of Sacred Worship
She wasn’t on the guest list. She wasn’t wanted in the room. Her reputation had walked in long before she did. Everyone knew her—the sinner.
But she wasn’t there to be seen. She was there to see Jesus.
In one of the most intimate and powerful moments in the Gospels, this unnamed woman crashed a Pharisee’s dinner party to anoint the feet of the Savior with her tears, her perfume, and her love. She said no words, but her actions spoke volumes.
This is a story not just about sin—but about grace, and the kind of love that can only flow from deep forgiveness.
1. She Came Uninvited—But She Came Unashamed
Luke 7:36–37 – “A woman of the city, who was a sinner… brought an alabaster flask of ointment.”
Exegesis:
– “A woman of the city” was a cultural euphemism for a prostitute or someone with a notorious past.
– The alabaster flask was costly—often reserved for burial or intimate moments.
– She came not for spectacle, but for surrender.
Her past didn’t stop her from entering the place where Jesus was. She was not seeking approval—she was seeking mercy.
2. She Wept, She Wiped, She Worshiped
Luke 7:38 – “She began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them…”
Exegesis:
– Letting down her hair in public was culturally taboo—it showed deep humility and emotional vulnerability.
– Her actions—no words—were a living act of devotion.
True worship is not just about the words we say—it’s about the posture of our hearts and the humility of our spirit.
3. She Was Judged by a Pharisee—but Justified by Jesus
Luke 7:39–40 – “If this man were a prophet, he would have known… what sort of woman this is.”
Exegesis:
– Simon’s judgment revealed a heart more focused on reputation than redemption.
– Jesus responds with a parable: two debtors—both forgiven, one more grateful.
When you know the weight of your sin, you don’t criticize someone else’s worship. You join them on your knees.
4. Her Forgiveness Fueled Her Love
Luke 7:47 – “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.”
Exegesis:
– Jesus clarifies: her love wasn’t the cause of her forgiveness, but the result.
– She loved deeply because she had been forgiven deeply.
Forgiveness isn’t cheap. But when we receive it, it births deep love, gratitude, and transformation.
5. Jesus Saw Her for Who She Was Becoming
Luke 7:48–50 – “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Exegesis:
– “Go in peace” speaks not only of inner calm but of wholeness and restoration.
– Jesus didn’t dwell on her past. He declared her future.
When Jesus speaks peace over your past, the world’s labels no longer matter.
Life Application Questions
- Are you holding back from Jesus because of your past?
- Have you lost the wonder of your forgiveness—and with it, your love?
- How can you pour out love for Jesus in your daily life, like this woman did?
Closing Reflection
She said nothing. She simply wept and worshiped.
She was called a sinner, but left a saint.
She came behind Jesus, but He lifted her before everyone.
This woman teaches us that those who have been forgiven much, love much—and their lives become vessels of glory, not shame.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for seeing beyond what others see. Thank You for welcoming me when others might shut the door. Help me love You with the same passion and humility that this woman showed. Let my tears be worship, my offering be love, and my faith lead me to Your peace. Amen.