Luke 7:36-50 // Woman with the Alabaster Jar

 

TEXT - Luke 7:36-50

After performing a variety of miracles, Jesus has a meal with a Pharisee. He is not treated with traditional hospitality and is joined by a woman who anoints his feet with perfume and washes his feet with her hair and tears. Jesus responds to the Pharisee with condemnation and the woman with love and forgiveness.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.

  • Read all of Luke 7 together. How does this section compare and relate to the rest of the chapter? Are there any similar themes?

  • What customs of hospitality did the Pharisee purposely omit when he invited Jesus into his home?

  • Why did the woman wash Jesus’ feet with perfume and tears?

HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD

  • Compare and contrast the response of Jesus and the response of the Pharisee towards the woman. 

    1. How does Jesus’ response to the woman encourage you?

    2. How does Jesus’ response to the Pharisee convict you?

HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)

  • Think about your own life and faith. Are you more often the woman or the Pharisee? Do you truly see your sin and debt? How can you cultivate a life marked by forgiveness and faith?

  • How does an accurate view of yourself and others (as sinners) encourage you to share the gospel with your friends, family and neighbors?