By Rachel Friel

Imagine you are living in biblical times. You hear stories of a man who demonstrates great power, heals the sick, raises the dead to life, calms the oceans, fulfills prophecies, and promises everlasting life. Now imagine every day you wake up with a past no one can look past and you see continual looks of shame as you walk through your village. Then you hear that a man named Jesus is going to be having dinner at a Pharisee’s house close by. You believe he has the power to forgive you and make your heart feel new again. How would you show Jesus that you believe in him? How would you show that your heart belongs to him? 

Her Alabaster Jar

A woman whom Luke refers to as a sinner, possibly a prostitute, brought an alabaster jar of perfume to anoint and wash Jesus’ feet. This woman, likely unwelcome in the Pharisee’s house, walked past the stares and knelt at the feet of Jesus. Her alabaster jar, resembling white marble, kept the perfume pure as she broke it, and the fragrance filling the house. This sinful woman gave a holy gift to Jesus, weeping as she kissed his feet and wiped them with her hair. 

 Our Alabaster Jar

When was the last time you were on your knees, weeping before our Savior, recognizing your need for him? When was the last time you acknowledged his lordship over your life? Have you been brought to tears over the depravity of your sin? 

May each morning we rise with shameless faith like the woman withthe alabaster jar. May we live shamelessly, not being afraid to lift our hands in adoration of the Lord; may wetell others how Jesus has changed our life even when the story may feel unwelcome. May we shamelessly give a sandwich to the homeless man on the corner, ignoring the car horns; may wesponsor a child in need, despite the unknowns of paying bills month to month; may we live of life of sacrifice and love. 

May we always remember what Jesus said to Simon about this woman, “Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much” (Luke 7:47, English Standard Version). May we live a life of shameless faith.

Rachel Friel is a second grade teacher in Yadkinville, North Carolina. She loves reading, camping, hiking, sharing her love for Christ, and sharing life with her fun husband, J. J.