Hope in an Alabaster Jar - Chapter Sixteen

Hope In an Alabaster Jar

Jesus said to the woman,
“Your faith has saved you;
go in peace.”

Luke 7:50

In chapter seven of Luke’s gospel, we see the interaction between Jesus and a never-named sinful (likely a prostitute) woman. Invited to dinner by a Pharisee, Jesus reclined at a low dining table, as was the custom. The shock of seeing a woman of such low reputation come to a Pharisee’s house must have reverberated throughout the room.

Although a common custom to allow such dinners to be attended by spectators, it is unlikely that anyone would have expected a prostitute to attend. Yet there she stood; an Alabaster jar of precious perfume in hand. Weeping. Wailing. Mourning. (Translated from the Greek word klaiō.) Historians tell us the likely value of the precious perfume—a year’s wages.

As she wept, her tears covered the feet of Jesus. That’s when it happened! With the entire group of important men watching in horror, she loosened her hair, wiped then kissed the feet of Jesus, broke the neck of the alabaster jar, and poured the contents on Jesus’ feet.

When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus to the dinner saw this, he began talking to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” No doubt whispering under his breath, he must have been shocked when… Verse 40—Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

Jesus then pointed out Simon’s lack of concern when Jesus arrived at the dinner and was given none of the customary greetings. Not a kiss. No water to wash dusty feet. No common anointing oil for His head. And then the words that started the whole room talking; verse 48: Jesus said to her, “your sins are forgiven.”

And while the astonished guests questioned “Who is this that even forgives sins,” Jesus said to that never-named woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

So what can you, and what can I learn from this never-named woman who held onto hope in an alabaster jar? I’m sure she must have hoped that she could even get in the door at the dinner. She must have hoped for an opportunity to see Jesus. Perhaps she hoped against all hope that she would actually get near enough to anoint Him with her precious perfume. How can her story help shape our attitudes about coming to Christ?

1. She came prepared
2. She humbled herself
3. She honored Jesus
4. She wept – I believe tears of repentance
5. She received salvation
6. She left forever changed

Are you heavy-hearted today? Do you think it is too late for you? Do you have a family member or a friend whose life is a mess? Reach out to Jesus. I guarantee you He is waiting. Humble yourself in His presence, and you will be forever changed. Find your hope at the feet of Jesus.

Hope for Daily Living

Alabaster jars were carved, expensive, and beautiful yet this never-named woman was willing to break it open and pour its expensive contents over the feet of Jesus. Do you have something you have been holding onto; afraid to relinquish to Christ? Perhaps it is a possession, a person, or an emotion. Are you willing to pour it out at His feet today? Explain.

Read Luke 8:16-17. The never-named woman publicly displayed her adoration for Jesus by braving a room filled with men who felt she did not belong. Are you willing to unashamedly shine your light for Christ? If so, how?

Remember, our never-named woman came to the feet of Christ that day, prepared, humbled, and in tears. Because she hoped enough to display her faith, she left forever changed. Have you had that experience with Jesus? Has your life been forever changed? If not, are you ready and willing to meet Him right now? If you are, there are Scriptures to help you on page 223.

Heavenly Father,
in the precious Name of Jesus, I come today. I lay my family, possessions, emotions, and attitudes at the feet of Jesus. I ask you to forgive me of sin in my life, clarify your calling on my life, and restore lost hope so that I am able to light up my world with the light of the truth about Jesus. Please, place opportunities in my path, and give me the wisdom and courage to shine your light that unbelievers might come to recognize and know that You are God. Lord, I carry hope in my heart, ready to pour it out like the never-named woman with her alabaster jar at the feet of Jesus. In His precious name I pray. Amen and Amen!

©Joyce Powell