The Scandal of Broken Perfume | Wednesday
Devotional
Imagine the shock that rippled through Simon’s dinner party when the woman broke that alabaster jar. The expensive perfume—worth a year’s wages—filled the room with its fragrance. But for those who knew this woman’s story, the scent carried a deeper meaning. This wasn’t just any perfume; it was likely connected to her profession, a tool of her trade as a prostitute.
By breaking that jar over Jesus’ feet, she wasn’t just offering a gift—she was making a declaration. She was saying goodbye to her old life, renouncing the shame and guilt that had defined her for so long. The very thing that had been a symbol of her sin became an offering of worship and repentance.
This act was scandalous on multiple levels. It was financially reckless, socially inappropriate, and religiously offensive to the watching Pharisees. Yet Jesus saw it for what it truly was: a beautiful expression of a heart that had been transformed by grace.
Sometimes our most meaningful acts of worship feel scandalous to others. When we choose forgiveness over revenge, generosity over greed, or humility over pride, the world might not understand. When we break our own “alabaster jars”—letting go of things we’ve held onto for security or identity—others might question our choices.
But Jesus sees the heart behind every act of surrender. He knows when we’re truly turning from our old ways and embracing the new life He offers. Your broken jar might look different from this woman’s, but the principle remains: true worship often requires us to let go of what we’ve been holding onto and pour it out at Jesus’ feet.
Bible Verse
“She stood behind him at his feet weeping. As she wept, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” – Luke 7:38
Reflection Question
What “alabaster jar” in your life—something valuable that represents your old way of living—might God be calling you to break and pour out as an offering of worship and repentance?
Quote
By breaking it at the Savior’s feet, is she saying, I am completely done with my past. I am completely done with my shame and my guilt. I recognize it. And it is a sign, a symbol of repentance that is turning from her old way of life and turning to the new life that she could have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to break whatever needs to be broken in my life for Your glory. Help me to let go of the things I’ve been clinging to for security or identity, and teach me to pour out my life as an offering of worship to You. Thank You that You see my heart and receive my imperfect offerings with love. Amen.