Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#25]
UNLIKELY WORSHIP
Luke 7:36-50
Introduction:
This morning, we will see how Jesus’ presence challenges us to think differently about worship. Our text reminds us that real worship is not about being perfect or having a certain social status. Instead, true worship comes from humility, thankfulness, and knowing we need God's grace. As we look at this story, we will see how a woman, seen by many as sinful, shows worship that Jesus praises- A worship based on love and turning to Him in repentance.
I want to tell you a story that I have told many times; but it fits this perfectly. I was a 20-year-old Worship and Youth Pastor in a very run down area of Albuquerque. I spent my time with many kids that were neglected on a regular basis. These were rowdy children constantly doing the wrong thing. My 81-year-old pianist helped me put together a Children’s Choir. This Choir of unruly children began to sing at other small congregations in town, and they did well. I showed up to Church 1 Sunday Morning and Mrs. Jarrett said that our Children’s Choir had been invited to sing at the largest, fanciest Church in town.
I have to admit that I was shocked; but agreed with Mrs. Jarrett that we should do it. 12 of the children were from 1 family; and it was a terrible family situation. These children were dirty, they stunk and they had lice. I had several of my College friends help me get them new clean clothes. My female College friends treated each child’s lice and gave them haircuts.
So, the night of our concert arrived and the children, Mrs. Jarrett, and I arrived at this massive building. The stage alone was larger than our little Church. There were probably a 1,000 people there and we began to sing. We only had Mrs. Jarrett playing- The Church’s Orchestra received a night off; but those kids sang. It was an amazing night of worship and when we got to our last song, I was so proud; but we were not done. As the Pastor of this Mega-Church was walking to the stage, a 10-year-old little girl began to sing a song that we had not practiced. With no accompaniment, she began to sing, “What can I give to the King? Give to the One who has everything? What can I give? What gift can I bring? What can I give to the King? That night was life changing for me. I was taking voice lessons at UNM and singing in Operas. I was used to all of the lights and performance; but that night a little girl taught me that worship of God was not about lights, orchestras, and perfection.
This morning, we see a woman whose past might have kept her away from religious people; but she chose to come close to Jesus with love and courage. She anointed His feet and wiped them with her tears. Her actions show that worship is about humility and thankfulness inside us. As we learn from her, let us remember that Jesus invites all of us, (no matter our past or what others think) to worship Him sincerely. Jesus cares more about what is in our hearts than about how we look on the outside.
Luke 7:36-38
Worship is unexpected when it…
1. Comes from those most unlikely to be appreciated.
We see a surprising example of worship from an unlikely person- A woman who was considered sinful and judged by others. Despite her shame and what people thought of her, she chose to approach Jesus with humility, tears, and love. The Bible shows us that real worship comes from a sincere heart that recognizes our need for God's forgiveness. It teaches us that even those who feel unworthy can worship God genuinely. Practically, this means we should have humble hearts and remember that true worship isn’t about how we look or what others think; but about loving Jesus from our hearts. When we worship with humility and honesty, our praise can be powerful and unexpected, showing God's grace working in our lives.
This story teaches us that God's love and acceptance are open to everyone, no matter their past or what others say about them. A practical way to apply this is to focus on genuine worship that comes from the heart, not just going through the motions. As followers of Jesus, we should see others the way God does, (with love and acceptance) especially those who might be considered “least likely” by society. When we worship with humility and love, it can surprise people and even change how we see ourselves and others. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that when we come to Jesus sincerely, our worship can be unexpected, powerful, and can help transform not only us but also those around us.
Luke 7:39
Worship is unexpected when it…
2. Challenges religious assumptions and self-righteousness.
Worship becomes truly surprising when it challenges our usual ideas about who is worthy and when it shows humility. The Pharisee thought that his good behavior and social status made him special in God's eyes; but the sinful woman’s act of worship, (washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume) shocked everyone because she was seen as unworthy by society. This teaches us that real worship is not about looking good or feeling superior. Instead, it is about recognizing our need for God’s mercy and coming to Him with a humble heart. God’s grace is for everyone, no matter who they are or what they have done, and true worship responds to that grace with honesty and humility.
Practically, this means we should check our own hearts for any pride or ideas about who deserves God’s love. True worship happens when we realize we need Jesus just as much as anyone else, and we approach Him with humility. In our daily lives, this could look like helping those who are often ignored or judged, forgiving others instead of holding onto anger, and worshiping God through acts of kindness. When we do this, we show the kind of unexpected, humble worship that Jesus talks about- Worship that surprises others and reflects how much God loves and accepts everyone.
Luke 7:40-47
Worship is unexpected when it…
3. Involves costly sacrifice and vulnerability.
Here, we see that true worship can be surprising because it often involves showing vulnerability and making sacrifices that are costly. The woman’s act of pouring expensive perfume and tears on Jesus’s feet was bold and sacrificial. It broke social rules and cost her something important. Spiritually, this teaches us that real worship is not just about outward shows or doing what looks good. It’s about giving ourselves completely, (our possessions, pride, and comfort) to honor Jesus. When we worship this way, it helps us see how much we need God's grace, and it opens the door for a closer, more personal relationship with Him. In everyday life, this means being willing to give more, forgive others, or admit our mistakes, (even when it feels uncomfortable) because true worship often involves taking risks and being vulnerable before God.
This point shows us that worship is unexpected when it involves sacrifice and vulnerability because it goes against what the World says about dignity and self-protection. In our daily lives, that might mean giving more generously than we want to, forgiving someone who hurt us, or openly admitting our sins. These actions show that we depend on God's grace, not just our own strength. Practically, it means being willing to do things that feel uncomfortable or costly, trusting that God sees and honors our willingness to surrender what’s most precious to us. True worship is not always what society expects; it is rooted in love and humility before God. When we worship this way, we can experience His grace in powerful and unexpected ways.
Luke 7:48-50
Worship is unexpected when it…
4. Results in forgiveness and new life.
Jesus shows us that true worship can happen in surprising ways, especially when it leads to forgiveness and new life. The woman’s act of humility and love, even though she was judged by others, shows that real worship is not about what people expect. It’s about recognizing our need for God’s forgiveness and responding with sincere repentance. When we truly experience Jesus’ mercy, it changes us from the inside out- Giving us a fresh start and a new way to live. Worship is not just about doing religious actions; it’s about a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace and love.
This story encourages us to think about how we respond to Jesus’ forgiveness. Worship should be a heartfelt and bold act that comes from knowing we need God’s mercy. It calls us to be humble and open, even if our worship looks different from what others might expect. When we live this way, we help create a community where forgiveness and new beginnings are always possible- Showing others how powerful and surprising God’s love can be. Our own lives can be changed by this kind of worship, inspiring others to experience the same life-changing love of Christ.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus with her tears and love, we are reminded that true worship is not about our worthiness or reputation; but about recognizing our need for grace and humbly offering ourselves before the Lord. Just as the woman was forgiven much because of her genuine repentance and devotion, so too are we invited to come to Jesus with open hearts, casting aside judgment and shame, trusting in His mercy and transforming power. Our worship becomes authentic when we acknowledge our brokenness and surrender it at His feet, allowing His love to heal and renew us from the inside out.
Today, I invite you to respond to the Lord’s call. If you have been holding back, feeling unworthy or distant from God’s grace, know that His love is greater than your past mistakes or present struggles. Come to the altar and lay down your burdens, your sins, and your doubts. Jesus is here, ready to forgive and to fill you with His peace. Whether you need to experience His forgiveness for the 1st time or simply want to renew your commitment to worship Him wholeheartedly, step forward now. Let’s encounter His mercy together and be transformed by His unending love.
