The Jar Is Empty

Jesus was eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A woman, a notorious sinner, came in and cleaned Jesus’ feet with her tears for water and her hair for a cloth. Then, she anointed His feet with a costly perfume. Scholars say it would have been worth about a year’s salary. Jesus knew that Simon disapproved, and He told a parable to explain that her lavish act of love flowed from how much she had been forgiven. While her act of love was evidence of her saving faith, Simon was rebuked for his attitude and his actions. Simon and the other people at the table saw that Jesus was much more than just a prophet or a teacher if He could forgive sins. The Jar is empty, means that we, like the woman, are called to bring our best to Jesus—even if it seems crazy to the world. The love of Christ and the forgiveness of sins encourages us to be expressive and extravagant in our worship. Empty the Jar also means we value expressive worship over religious rituals. When we empty the jar of our time, talents, and treasures, we glorify God and it transforms us.