The Woman With The Alabaster Jar | What's Her Name? | Digging Deeper | Week of October 23rd

The Woman With The Alabaster Jar | What’s Her Name? | Week 1
Pastor Dave Pretlove, Lead Pastor
Luke 7:36-50

1. Her generosity was An expression of her full devotion.
Luke 7:36-38

2. Her generosity was inspired by the highest motivation.
Luke 7:39-50

3. Her generosity gives us a path toward duplication.
Matthew 25:35-40

“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, 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 with the ointment. 

Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.’ And Jesus answering said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ And he answered, ‘Say it, Teacher.’
‘A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’ And he said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ 

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ And he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this, who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”
Luke 7:36-50

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Pastor Dave’s message on Sunday?

2. Read Luke 7:36-50. Why do you think the Pharisees were so disgusted by this woman’s incredible gift and generosity to Jesus?

3. Luke 7:46 reads, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Discuss Jesus’ words here. What is he saying? How does it make you feel when you read His words?

4. Have you ever felt compelled to radical generosity out of your immense love for Jesus? Please share.

5. Read Something to Think About and discuss. 

6. We were able to hear from a former Compassion Child on Sunday. Share some ways your heart was moved or some things you learned.

I have loved this story about the woman with the Alabaster jar of perfume that washed Jesus’ feet with her hair since I was a little girl. I could picture this woman coming in with all of these men staring at her and ridiculing her as she came to Jesus. I could feel her shame through the words my mom would read in her worn-out King James Bible. I recognized how much courage and love it took for this woman to come and wash Jesus’ feet in a setting that she knew was full of people that would have great judgment and disdain for her. 

My mom has read and taught me this story so many times. As she would read, she would paint such a beautiful picture of how Jesus takes up our cause. Fights for us. It makes sense that my mom loves this picture of Jesus so much because my mom can relate to this part of Jesus. This is who my mom is. She fights for those she loves. She fights for them on her knees and she fights for them on her feet as well. It is in Jesus’ character to stand up for people that are being bullied, that are poor, and marginalized. As Christ-followers, we have that same need to fight for others within us. We are able to do this in so many ways, and one way is through our generosity and giving. 

On Sunday, Pastor Dave talked about a church and Compassion site we support in Bolivia through Compassion International. Our generosity has allowed us to fight for people in great need and to give them the greatest gift: the gift of the Gospel. This week, I would love for us to ask the Lord if there are areas in our lives where we can show great generosity. Generosity like this woman showed out of her great love for Jesus. I am cheering for you guys.
Blessings, 
Christie Braun