Thrive Moms: Warrior StudySample

“The Forgiven Warrior” 

 Go through and read today's scripture. Jesus is invited to a dinner one evening in the home of a Pharisee. In that time when people ate meals, they didn’t sit at a normal table with chairs like we have in our dining rooms. The tables were low to the ground and they would lounge on pillows and lay out around the table, stretched out and comfortable. As the guests are eating dinner, a sinful woman arrives. This was a bad woman. She needed no introduction or description. Everyone knows who she is. The Bible calls her “an immoral woman,” and “an especially wicked sinner”. Pretty Woman status here, people. She enters the house, sees Jesus, and completely breaks down. I imagine my response would be quite similar. She must have been mortified with all of the eyes in the room judging her, but that didn’t hold her back. With an expensive alabaster jar in hand, she approaches Jesus. Bowing before him, tears fall, and her heart overflows with sorrow. The people around the room began to whisper, stare, and remind Jesus just who this woman is. Jesus isn’t surprised or upset. He spoke of forgiveness while the others of the room were disgusted and only saw a prostitute. Jesus saw HER. He saw a child of God; so humbled, and broken, and in need of a savior. She poured out her most prized possession as a token of her love. She honored him and He forgave her. She was forgiven because she showed her deep love. I don’t know what your story looks like. I don’t know what the innermost parts of your heart look like, but he does. He doesn’t see a sinner, a failure, or any of the labels you have put on yourself. He only sees you. his daughter, worthy of his love and forgiveness. I lose my temper with my kids more than I’d like to admit. I don’t show my husband the patience and grace he deserves. Most days, I don't even like myself. But when I bow at the feet of Jesus with tear-soaked hair and pour out my alabaster jar, I find his peace and forgiveness. Warriors are mighty and brave, but the strongest of warriors will get on their face before Jesus and pour out their alabaster jar, turning away from sin to walk into love and forgiveness.