Broken and Spilled Out: How Do You Respond to Forgiveness?
Have you ever walked into a room where you knew you didn’t belong, but went anyway, because something (or someone) more important was waiting inside?
That’s the kind of courage and desperation we see in Luke 7:36–50. Jesus is dining at the home of a Pharisee named Simon when a woman, known in town for her sinful past, quietly enters. She doesn’t speak. She doesn’t ask permission. She simply moves toward Jesus, carrying an alabaster jar of perfume and a heart full of love and repentance.
She kneels behind Him, weeping. Her tears fall onto His feet, and with trembling hands, she wipes them away with her hair. Then, she kisses His feet and pours the precious perfume over them.
This story is more than a dramatic scene from Scripture. It’s a soul-stirring question: What does real worship look like?
The setting was a formal dinner, yet the emotional centerpiece was completely unexpected. Simon, a respected religious leader, offers Jesus the bare minimum of hospitality. The woman, however, brings everything she has—her past, her pain, and her true worship.
Jesus sees her act of love and devotion for what it is: an expression of radical gratitude. He affirms her while gently challenging Simon’s spiritual blindness.
What Does Jesus Say About Forgiveness?
Jesus tells a short story about two people who owed money. One owed a small amount, the other a large sum. Neither could pay, and both debts were canceled. Then Jesus asks, “Which one will love the lender more?” The answer is simple: the one who was forgiven more.
But that doesn’t mean what you might think. Jesus isn’t saying, "The worse your sin, the more forgiveness you get." It’s not about how bad you’ve been; it’s about how deeply you recognize your need.
The more aware you are of your brokenness, the more grateful you’ll be for God’s grace.
If you believe God has forgiven you greatly, your love for Him will be great.
If you think your need for forgiveness is small, your love will likely be small too.
That’s where Simon missed the point. He didn’t see himself as broken, so he offered little love.
But the woman knew her story. She felt the weight of her sin and the beauty of being set free.
And her love poured out, just like her perfume.
So, What About You?
Are you offering safe, calculated faith like Simon?
Or are you pouring out wholehearted worship like the woman?
Jesus still receives those who come to Him with open arms and forgiveness. The more deeply you understand your need for grace, the more passionately you’ll worship.