Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible ReadingLuke 7:36-39, 44-48 (NASB) 36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,
38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”
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44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.
46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.
47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”
Matthew 13:57-58 (NASB) 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.”
58 And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NASB) 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Observation Questions- In the story of the woman with the alabaster jar (Luke 7), what actions did she take to show her honor and love for Jesus? How did her actions differ from those of the Pharisee? [10:39]
- According to Matthew 13:58, why was Jesus unable to do many miracles in His hometown? What does this reveal about the atmosphere needed for God to work? [03:18]
- In Hebrews 4:16, what invitation is given to believers because of Jesus’ role as our high priest? How does this relate to the idea of prayer as described in the sermon? [20:36]
- The sermon describes the difference between inviting Jesus to our table and inviting Him to work in our lives. What is the key distinction between these two approaches? [13:02]
Interpretation Questions- Why do you think the woman’s posture and actions (humility, honor, and extravagant praise) created an atmosphere for Jesus to forgive and transform her, while the Pharisee’s indifference did not? [10:39]
- The sermon says that trust is the journey that matures our faith, moving us from believing God can act to living as though He will. How does this shift in mindset affect the way we approach God and our daily lives? [00:18]
- What are some ways that unbelief and indifference can “rob us of miracles” in our own lives, as seen in Jesus’ experience in His hometown? [03:18]
- The sermon highlights prayer, posture, and praise as keys to creating an atmosphere for God to move. How might each of these look practically in a believer’s life today? [17:51]
Application Questions- The woman with the alabaster jar brought her best to Jesus, even though it was costly and risky. Is there something valuable or vulnerable in your life that God is prompting you to bring to Him? What would it look like to do that this week? [26:49]
- The sermon challenges us to move beyond minimum effort and indifference in our relationship with God. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become casual or compartmentalized? What is one step you can take to honor God more fully in that area? [29:41]
- Trust shifts our language from negativity to life-giving words. Think about your conversations this past week—were they more life-giving or life-taking? What is one practical way you can speak more life and faith into your home, work, or friendships this week? [04:36]
- The difference between inviting Jesus to our table and inviting Him to work in our lives is a willingness to be changed, stretched, and challenged. Is there a specific area where you sense God wants to transform you, but you’ve been resistant? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? [13:02]
- The sermon describes prayer as simply coming to Jesus, not just with needs but also with gratitude and love. How can you make your prayer life more consistent and heartfelt this week? Is there a specific time or place you can set aside to “come to the King”? [18:03]
- Posture matters—both physically and spiritually. What is your usual “posture” toward God in worship, prayer, or daily life? Is there a change you want to make to show more humility, honor, or expectancy? [23:21]
- Praise is about who God is, not our preferences. Next time you worship (at church or alone), how can you focus more on God’s worthiness rather than your own comfort or preferences? [27:31]