Redeeming the Broken: God’s Mercy Toward the Lost
Main Text: Luke 7:36–50
Point: No sin is too deep for the grace of God—including prostitution. Jesus redeems, restores, and gives new identity to the outcast, the ashamed, and the weary.
Opening Scripture
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
—Luke 7:47 (ESV)
Welcome
The Bible is honest about human sin—and it is equally honest about God’s mercy.
Among the most stigmatized and judged in every culture are prostitutes. In biblical times and today, these women are often treated as beyond redemption. But Jesus never saw people the way the world does.
Today, we’ll explore the story of a woman known for her sin—but even more known for her love and faith. A woman who was likely a prostitute, yet became one of the most beautiful pictures of repentance and restoration.
This sermon is for the broken, the shamed, the judged—and those who judge, too.
The Sinful Woman — She Came With a Reputation (Luke 7:36–38)
“And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner…”
This woman was known in her town. People whispered when she passed by.
Her identity was tied to her sin—her past defined her.
She came to a Pharisee’s house uninvited. She carried perfume, not pride. She stood behind Jesus, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet. She wiped them with her hair and kissed them.
This was scandalous. Improper. Unwelcome by religious standards.
But it was worship in Jesus’ eyes.
Modern Application:
You may feel stained by past choices—whether it’s prostitution, addiction, adultery, or another form of sin.
You may feel unwanted, judged, or too dirty to be near God.
But like this woman, you can approach Jesus. You don’t need to speak the perfect words. Come with a broken heart, and He will receive you.
The Religious Man — He Looked Without Compassion (Luke 7:39)
“If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is…”
Simon the Pharisee saw only her sin.
He questioned Jesus for allowing such a woman to touch Him.
He was offended not by her sin, but by Jesus’ compassion.
Simon didn’t see her tears. He didn’t see her humility. He saw a label.
But Jesus sees the heart, not the past.
Modern Application:
It’s easy to judge others by what we think we know.
It’s harder—and more Christlike—to look at someone through the eyes of mercy.
Who have we written off as unworthy of God’s love? The homeless? The addict? The prostitute?
God writes stories where the world sees shame.
The Savior — He Forgave, He Defended, He Restored (Luke 7:44–50)
“Do you see this woman?”
Jesus turns to Simon and asks a powerful question.
“Do you see her?” Not her sin, not her shame. Do you see her?
Then He tells a parable about two debtors—one owed little, the other much.
Both were forgiven. Which one loved more? The one forgiven more.
Jesus then turns to the woman and says:
“Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
He forgave her.
He defended her.
He gave her peace.
That’s what Jesus does with prostitutes, tax collectors, doubters, and hypocrites.
That’s what He does with us.
Other Examples in Scripture
- Rahab – A prostitute in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies. Her faith saved her, and she became part of the lineage of Jesus (Joshua 2, Matthew 1:5).
- The Woman Caught in Adultery – Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)
- Hosea and Gomer – A prophet commanded to marry a prostitute as a living picture of God’s love for unfaithful Israel (Hosea 1–3).
Conclusion: No One Is Beyond Grace
Jesus didn’t come to affirm sin, but He also didn’t come to shame sinners. He came to save.
Whether you have lived a life marked by sexual sin or you’ve looked down on those who have, the gospel calls all of us to repentance and to grace.
The woman at Jesus’ feet had nothing to offer but her tears.
And it was enough for Jesus.
What about you?
Will you bring your past to the feet of Jesus and let Him rewrite your story?
Closing Scripture
“Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”
—1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for Your incredible mercy.
You see beyond our failures, our shame, and our reputations. You see our hearts. You welcome the broken and restore the outcast.
We confess, Lord, that we have all sinned. Whether in actions or attitudes, in secret or in the open, we need Your grace.
For the ones who feel unworthy—remind them that Your love is not earned, it is given.
For those who’ve judged others—remind them of how much they’ve been forgiven.
Let Your church be a place of healing, not of shame.
Jesus, You are the Redeemer of all stories.
Thank You for loving us just as we are—and too much to leave us there.
In Your holy name we pray,
Amen.