This week, Pastor Chris taught on worship and the condition of our heart. In the parable of the sinful woman, Jesus reveals how extravagant grace produces extravagant worship. Those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness respond with deep love, heartfelt devotion, and joyful service. This sermon explores how God’s grace—not human effort—brings forgiveness, restores relationship, and sets us free to love Him and others with overflowing gratitude.

A parable is an ingeniously simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson.

Extravagant grace leads to extravagant worship.

    Luke 7:36–38 (ESV)

    36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.

    Sacrificial Worship is…

    • Costly
    • Personal
    • Intimate
    • Genuine
    • Permeates

    Luke 7:39 (ESV)

    39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

    • The one who has been forgiven much, loves much.

    Luke 7:40–47 (ESV)

    40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

    Romans 3:9–18 (NLT)

    9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” 13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “They rush to commit murder. 16 Destruction and misery always follow them. 17 They don’t know where to find peace.” 18 “They have no fear of God at all.”

    Romans 3:23 (NLT)

    23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

    Romans 6:23 (NLT)

    23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Forgiven People…

    • Love Christ deeply.
    • Love others freely.
    • Serve joyfully, not out of duty but devotion.
    • Grace leads to the forgiveness of sin.
    • God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (Steve Note: can you create a slide that has GRACE across the top with the meaning of the word below like you did for LIFE labor influence finances expertise?)

    Luke 7:48-49 (ESV)

    48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

    Psalm 103:12 (ESV)

    12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

    Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

    7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

    Forgiveness…

    • Is not earned by good works or religious effort.
    • Is rooted in God’s mercy and grace.
    • Comes through the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22).
    • Comes from the cross, where justice and mercy met.  

    Forgiveness brings…

    • Restored relationship with God – reconciliation and adoption (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
    • Power to forgive others – as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15).
    • Peace with God – no longer condemned (Romans 5:1).
    • Freedom from guilt – no more chains of shame (Micah 7:19).

    1 John 1:9–10 (ESV)

    9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

    Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

    13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. Why is it important to understand that all have sinned and fall short of God’s standard?
      How does this level the playing field and highlight the need for grace?
    2. Jesus said, “The one who has been forgiven much, loves much.” What does that teach us about the connection between forgiveness and love?
    3. How can knowing you are fully forgiven help you love others more freely?
      Is there someone you need to forgive as you’ve been forgiven?

    Application Questions:

    1. How does your worship reflect your understanding of God’s forgiveness? Is it more routine or sacrificial and personal?
    2. Forgiveness is not earned—it’s received. How does that truth challenge or encourage you?