THE FRAGRANCE OF WORSHIP
TEXT LUKE 7:36 – 50
TEXT LUKE 7:36 – 50
Introduction: Our Lord had just completed a discourse on John the Baptist, comparing John’s ministry with that of His own. One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to supper, whether to try to trick the Lord or for some other reason, we do not know. The Lord accepted the invitation. As they were eating, a woman came in weeping.
I. Real Worship Must Begin With A Relationship To Christ
A. She Came To Jesus (v.37)
1. She came to where Jesus was. (v.37)
2. She came as she was, “a sinner”
3. If we are going to worship the Lord, we must come as we are and begin a relationship with God through Christ Jesus.
4. “Just As I Am” – Just As I Am without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.” (p.244)
5. The world comes to what are called “worship services” but they have no understanding of what real worship is. Real worship must by its very nature involve God and a relationship to Him.
B. She Came Seeking Forgiveness
1. Jesus gave the illustration of the two debtors.
2. Jesus acknowledged her sinfulness. (v.37,39,47)
3. Jesus forgave her and saved her soul. (v.48-50)
II. Real Worship Requires Reverence Of Christ
A. This Woman Came Humbly (v. 37-38)
1. Worshipping the One Who had forgiven her, she did the part of a maidservant, washing His feet.
2.This job was reserved for the lowest servant, yet she felt herself fortunate to serve her Lord.
3.She exemplified the honor and love that she felt for Christ, whereas the Pharisee did not honor Him.
4. There was a notable absence of pride.
B. She Came With A Repentant Heart
1. The scriptures say that she came weeping. There was a heart-felt sorrow at her sins.
2. This woman knew that she was unworthy of God’s mercy, yet she came to the One who could save her. (Luke 19:10) ”For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
3. She came to seek forgiveness and cleansing of God’s Son. (1 John 1:9) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
III. Real Worship Requisitions Our Resources For The Kingdom of Christ
A. She Brought Her Best
1. She came with her best to worship her Saviour.
2. Alabaster ointment was highly prized and costly. It was worth about a year and a half’s wages. This was probably her dowry.
3. She came behind the Lord humbly bringing her best in service.
4. Her tears washed His feet and her hair toweled them dry. She gave of what she had for worship, while the Pharisee gave nothing.
5. Many times we fail to see that Christ Jesus
Deserves our all, our best. He gave His all to
Redeem us. ( 1 Corinthians 6:20)
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
6. We are to worship God with the very best that we have and are. He will not accept anything else.
7. When Mary anointed Christ’s feet and head, the pungent odor of the ointment permeated His clothes. (John 12:3) “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
B. She Reached Out To Others
1. This woman’s act of worship reached out to others.
2. The fragrance of her worship of her Saviour permeated His clothes, even to the point of the crucifixion.
3. His clothes at the cross still bore the fragrance of her worship. What a witness !!
4. We also must reach out to others through our influence and resources. God spared not His own Son for us, how can we do anything less.
5. Her testimony of faith and worship is remembered down though the ages.
(Mark 14:9) “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. “
Conclusion: I would hope that the walk and worship of our lives would be remembered as well. God desires our worship but He desires proper worship. True worship for it to be acceptable worship must Begin with a Relationship With Christ; Requires Reverence Of Christ; and Requisitions Our Resources For The Kingdom of Christ.