Luke 7:36-50 “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

Text II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away”

Within this story is a woman who, though unnamed, is definitely known to all that are at the supper. She is a woman that magnifies the tragedy of sin, “a woman in the city, which was a sinner” (vs.37). We are introduced to the depth of her sin; the activity of her nature has replaced the awareness of her name. It’s not here comes Mary or Betty; it’s here comes that woman of the streets; here comes that woman of the night. Also, there’s the declaration of her sin; her sin was not only known within the frame work of her family and friends, but the entire city was aware of her sin! When she came into Simon’s house, she was immediately recognized! But, a marvelous change takes place as we are made aware of the triumph of salvation, “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (vs.50). This woman was no longer remembered for her sin, but for her sacrifice, “brought an alabaster box of ointment” (vs.37). Because of her great love, she was willing to give the best she had, no matter the cost. She is remembered for her service to the Lord, “she hath washed my feet with tears . . . hath not ceased to kiss my feet . . . hath anointed my feet with ointment” (vs.44-46). Today, it is not her sin, but her salvation, sacrifice, and service that everyone is talking about! Why, because “Christ made a difference!” It was not just the story of conversion on her lips, but it was the sight of change in her life. Do others see that Christ made a difference in your life?