Jesus, Friend of Sinners

This post is the 7th-8th grade English assignment for Tuesday, December 9.

1. Read Luke 7. Which verses are related to the painting below? How does this story relate to why Jesus had to come to earth in the first place?
   

"The Magdalen" by Bernardino Luini in 1525

(National Gallery of Art)

2. Read this poem, which is based on the Bible story in Luke 7:36-50. According to this poem, how is the symbolism of the broken alabaster jar related to how we should live for Jesus?

"Alabaster Jar"
by Virginia Knowles

Alabaster jar, costly sweet perfume
Devotion broke it open, fragrance filled the room.
Poured over Jesus’ head, anointing for the grave,
Some saw only money lost, but Jesus blessed the love she gave.
Broken and poured out, broken and poured out
But there’s no waste of life, just fragrant sacrifice
And it’s all because of love.

Can you see his love? Messiah on the cross
Body broken, blood poured out, for our sin’s redemption cost
Can you see his power? Victory over death!
Hell could not contain him, nor quench his living breath
Broken and poured out, broken and poured out
But there’s no waste of life, just fragrant sacrifice
And it’s all because of love.

Lord, break me for your glory, pour me for your name.
Let me share his sufferings and power just the same.
Crucified with Christ is what I want to be,
For when I’ve died to my old life, I’ll rise up to be free.
Broken and poured out, broken and poured out
But there’s no waste of life, just fragrant sacrifice
And it’s all because of love.

3. Read Luke 5:27-32 and Luke 18:9-14. Write a paragraph explaing how Jesus wants us to view ourselves, and how he wants us treat those who have lived sinful lifestyles.

4. With your parent's permission, visit the Magdalena, Released from Shame web site and click on "Discover Their Story" to scroll over each of the four women and see short videos about them. This movie is produced by The Jesus Film Project, a division of Campus Crusade.