We live in an era when genuine authenticity is rare. We tend to guard ourselves, ensuring that no one enters our private spaces or gets to know us intimately. Sadly, this same attitude extends to our relationship with Christ. Inasmuch as there is wisdom in caring for ourselves and guarding our hearts, we must approach our Savior differently. Scriptures advise us to come into his presence with confidence, receive mercy, and find grace in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
When we consider the kind of surrender shown by the woman with the alabaster jar in Luke 7:37-50, we can glean several insights to help us understand the importance of coming to Jesus just as we are.
Know Your Condition
The text in Luke 7:37-50 describes the lady with the jar as a woman of the city who was a sinner (Luke 7:37-50). This reference could well mean that she was a wayward woman, perhaps even a prostitute of the town. John Gill’s commentary says that she was a “notorious sinner, one that was known by all to have been a person of a wicked life and conversation; a lewd woman, a vile prostitute, a harlot, commonly reputed so: the Arabic word used here, signifies both a sinner and a whore.”
Luke says that this woman heard that Jesus was in the vicinity and chose to go where he was. She knew her condition–that she was a sinner and could not do anything about it other than go to the One who could handle her as she was. Jesus is the only One who, despite knowing us deeply, can love us deeply. Whatever your condition this day, the first step is to acknowledge that you are a sinner, a shortcoming you cannot hide from an all-knowing God. When Isaiah saw the glory of God, he fell to his knees and acknowledged his sinful state in the presence of such holiness (Isaiah 6:1-5). Knowing our condition for what it truly is will lead us to the loving arms of our Savior.
Let Go of your Possessions
The next thing we need to do is to let go of the thing(s) that cause us to stumble and remain subdued to sin. The woman had an expensive perfume–perhaps the one she used to lure clients. When she heard of Jesus, she brought the jar of perfume and broke it at the feet of Jesus (Luke 7:37-50). Unlike these days of complicated cosmetics, back then, perfumes played a big part in a prostitute’s tool of trade. This was no small act the lady was doing. She was laying down her life in every sense of the word.
This act is critical because, unless we see how these things that are precious to us can become a hindrance, we may not move towards Christ. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we must lay aside the sin that easily entangles us and the weight that we carry (Hebrews 12:1-2). Have you laid down your life, your prized possessions, the things that you count as valuable? Paul says in Philippians 3:1-10 that he counted all things–even those he once thought as gain–to be rubbish for the sake of coming to the Lord. Jesus said that in losing our life to him, we find it, but in trying to save it for ourselves, we lose it (Matthew 16:25). Perhaps we need to consider these words in-depth and examine where we are losing our lives by holding onto things we ought to let go of. When we come to Christ, he bids us to let go so we can have him fully. What do you need to let go of today? Break off from it at the feet of Jesus and gain your life.
Desire a New Position
In letting go of her prized tool of trade, the woman received a new position in the Master’s presence. Those in the house wanted her to be taken away, but Jesus defended her cause because she had moved from outcast to child in her actions of surrender (Luke 7:37-50). Christ allowed her to go ahead and wash his feet with perfume and wipe them with her hair. As the old worship says, ‘Down at your feet, O Lord, is the most high place’- this woman had found her new position in the Lord–a worshipper at his feet. No one could take her out of that place, not even her past.
The most fantastic news for any saint is embedded in the words of Paul in Romans 8:1-19, particularly talking about the truth that in Christ, we are not condemned but justified on account of what the Lord has done for us. He affirms that this reality is not for later, but in his words, “There is therefore NOW (emphasis mine) no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). We all need to desire this state of freedom and forgiveness from the Lord because there is no better place to be where our past has no hold on us like at the feet of Christ.
The other thing that Paul says–that the woman experiences instantly–is that once we have God’s love in Christ, no one can separate us from this love (Romans 8:31-39). Nothing can take us away from this love because it is not just an emotional love but a love that gives us a new standing in the face of condemnation, fear, failure, and guilt. Jesus assured us, in John 10:27-30, that no one can snatch us from his and the Father’s hands. Contrary to popular opinion, we do not need to go and sort ourselves out and then come to Jesus to clean us up a little. We cannot put our act together by our own strength, no matter how hard we try. It is why we are called to go as we are, and we shall find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). Paul says that in Christ, we are now seated in the heavenly places (Colossians 3:1-3). Are you standing in the new position, or are you still in the old position? Christ can pull you up from the pit and cause you to sit by his side forever.
Receive Christ’s Declaration
Finally, Jesus affirmed the woman’s actions before all the people in the house of Simon (Luke 7:37-50). After that declaration, no one else in the room or outside the room could dismiss the woman anymore. Their complaints and accusations had been silenced by the affirmation that Christ gave concerning her act of worship. Whatever God says about those he forgives cannot be thwarted by anyone. I can imagine her walking into the house with her head low, full of shame and guilt, not knowing that her narrative would soon change. Afterward, it would not matter what people would say to her or about her anymore. She would be free and accepted by the Master as part of the family of the redeemed. Such great news! It is the soul’s most important transformation, as captured in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17: the old is gone, and the new has come.
Jesus still shows this kind of love to all who come to him in worship and surrender, laying down their lives and letting go of their most precious possessions. He can remove the old gown and clothe you with a newness from above. Nothing is holding you back except yourself. Today, you can come to him just as you are, without filters. Jesus, the redeemer, can clean you up and give you a new name, identity, and eternal life. If you want to know more about how you can come to Christ, begin by watching this video.