When Sinners Worship

Scripture: Luke 7:36–38

A woman in the city who was a sinner… stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with fragrant oil.

The Unexpected Guest

Imagine walking into a party where you weren’t invited. The laughter fades. Every head turns. The whispers begin: “What is she doing here?”

That is exactly what happens in Luke 7. A Pharisee named Simon hosts a dinner for Jesus. Religious leaders recline at the table, polished and proper. Then a woman with a sinful reputation walks in. She isn’t named, only described as “a sinner.” She doesn’t belong—but she comes anyway.

And she heads straight for Jesus.

Shame Meets Grace

Every step toward Him must have felt heavy. Every stare reminded her of who she was. But something stronger than shame pulled her forward. She falls at His feet, her tears washing the dust from them. She lets her hair down—a scandalous act in that culture—to wipe His feet. She breaks her alabaster jar and pours the perfume over Him.

The room is scandalized. But Jesus isn’t.

Because when shame collides with grace, worship fills the room.

The Pharisee’s Judgment

Simon the Pharisee watches and begins to judge:

• Her past: “She’s a sinner.”

• Her worship: “This is too messy.”

• Even Jesus Himself: “If He were really a prophet, He wouldn’t let her touch Him.”

But Simon missed something important. The most dangerous sin in that house wasn’t her pas, it was his pride. Her shame was visible. His self-righteousness was hidden. She knew she was broken, and that awareness made her worship real.

The truth? None of us are exempt from worship. Every saint, every leader, every pastor—we all owe Him our praise.

The Parable of the Debtors

Jesus answers Simon with a story: Two debtors owed different amounts, but neither could pay. The creditor forgave them both. Which one loved more? Simon replies, “The one who owed more.”

Jesus drives home the point: All of us are debtors. Some may appear to owe more, some less, but every one of us stands in need of forgiveness. And forgiveness is what fuels worship.

The Heart of Worship

This woman shows us what true worship looks like:

• She didn’t wait to get her life together.

• She didn’t wait for approval from the crowd.

• She came broken. She came weeping. She came with surrender.

Jesus met her there. Forgiveness didn’t precede worship; it followed surrender. She carried her shame, and He offered her peace. She shed her tears, and He extended her forgiveness.

Forgiveness Produces Praise

Jesus said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” The depth of her worship matched the depth of her forgiveness.

That’s why some people shout louder. That’s why some cry harder. That’s why some lift their hands higher. It isn’t about personality. It’s about remembering what He has done.

If your worship has grown quiet, maybe it’s because you’ve forgotten how much you’ve been forgiven.

Takeaway: Come Anyway

This story isn’t just about her. It’s about us. Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

If you are broken, worship. If you are guilty, worship. If you are weary, worship. If you are ashamed, worship. Don’t let shame stop you at the doorway. Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back. Jesus is still the same. He still receives worship. He still forgives.

Bring your tears. Bring your jar. Bring your story. And hear Him say: “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”