Broken Vessel

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” – Psalm 34:18

This week we have been looking at the story of the sinful woman found in Luke 7. We are not sure what her sin was, but whatever it was, the woman was keenly aware of her sinful state.

Jesus had been invited to dine at a Pharisee named Simon’s house. The sinful woman comes in, stands behind Jesus at His feet with a vial of perfume. She is so overcome by Jesus that she starts to weep. She uses her hair as a towel as she is wiping Jesus’ feet, she is kissing them and anointing them with her alabaster container of oil.

While it is hard for me to imagine someone crying hard enough to wash someone’s feet and then wiping it with her hair, this story demonstrates the beauty of brokenness. This woman was compelled to seek Jesus out. She went where she was not welcome, in front of someone who held her in very low regard. This woman worshiped Jesus in the only way she knew how – with tears, kisses and anointing oil.

This woman did not cling to her pride or even her dignity. Jesus was more important to her than what anyone thought of her. Worshiping and adoring Him was more important than the cultural etiquette. It was more important than the opinion of Simon, a religious leader. It was more important than her precious ointment which she poured out at Jesus’ feet. Her posture of kissing His feet speaks of submission and humility. Because of her brokenness, her submission, she left with the peace that true repentance and God’s forgiveness gives us.

Maybe you are facing a time of brokenness in your life. It is easy to think that God will think less of us, but the opposite is true. Jesus wants us to be real with Him. Until we bring all that brokenness to Him, He can’t heal us and put us back together again. 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us: ”Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Don’t waste your sorrows, don’t run from breaking circumstances, but be still and know that He is God. At these times we need to be still and let our trust be transformed into our actions. Let Him work it out and take care of it. Let God work through it. As you open your heart to the Lord, remember that brokenness and humility are the keys that will unlock some of God’s richest blessings in your life and relationships.

Discussion Questions:

1. Many problems/issues have their root in pride. Agree or disagree?
2. Humility is God’s prescription for nearly every condition that ails human hearts and relationships. Agree or disagree?
3. Why is it important to realize we are broken? How aware are you of your own brokenness?
4. How can you bring your brokenness to Jesus?