"She has been forgiven of all her many sins. This is why she has shown me such extravagant love. But those who assume they have very little to be forgiven will love me very little." Luke 7:47 TPT

There are defining moments that forever mark our lives, change our path, and shape us into the people we are today. Those could include a decision made, an unexpected death, a breakup, someone you meet, or even words people say. Whatever it is, we don't always recognize the impact it will have on our lives. If we aren't careful, these moments will try to disgracefully label us. I can recall several of these moments, many of which are fond memories, but not all are happy. Some of them are painful, sorrowful, and shameful. Nonetheless, all of these defining moments, good and bad, have marked me but have not labeled me. They changed my path, and some have shaped me into who I am today. In Luke 7:36-50, we find a sinful, disgraced woman who, I believe, had a defining moment that changed her life!

We are not told much about this woman except that she was a sinner (v. 37). We also know that she had an alabaster jar of expensive perfume (v.37). We can presume that her sin was very well known in the town. "Sinner" was how her community defined her. It was a Disgraced Label. Not only was her disgraced label "sinner," but she also wore another disgraced label of social "outcast." The sinful woman found that Jesus was at the house of Simon the Pharisee. Her response to this knowledge shows that she likely knew who Jesus was and possibly had a previous encounter with Him. That was a marked moment for her in a good way. I picture her thinking to herself, "He needs to know what He has done for me." She grabs her alabaster jar of expensive perfume and pushes through the crowd of those more socially acceptable. They stare and whisper. She doesn't even hear them. She doesn't care. Her gaze is set on Him.

Reaching Jesus who is reclined at the table, she is overcome by adoration and thankfulness. I complete surrender and love, she falls at His feet, sobs loudly, and uncontrollably. Her tears pour out like waterfalls. She begins washing His feet, using her tears as the water and her hair as the towel. She broke her alabaster jar, her prized possession, and poured its contents onto His feet, anointing them in extravagant worship.

This woman was making quite the scene, and she didn't care one bit. She had been redeemed from all the other comments and opinions that defined her, Now all she cared about was worshipping the One who had transformed her life, her Redeemer, Jesus.

JESUS SAW HER DIFFERENTLY than the others in the room. He didn't look at her and see her sins, mistakes or bad choices. He saw her love and adoration for Him. Her extravagant worship came from the overflow of thankfulness. In exchange, Jesus replied "Your sins are forgiven... your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Vss. 48, 50). Her Redeemer beautifully exchanged her disgraced label of "sinner" to "Forgiven" He exchanged her hopeless shame and pain for His peace!

If you would like to be able to do a complete study of Session Four, order a copy of HER STORY: Redeemed by contacting Empowered Women's Ministry at empoweredwomen@pcg.org or 817.554.5900 ext. 371. Available also at pcg.org/resources or Amazon.