Forgiver • Luke 7:36-49 • Guest Pastor Jed McClellan • Wednesday, March 18, 2026

What Defines You? The Power of Forgiveness Over Sin

We all carry labels. Some we choose, others are thrust upon us. Some define us by our accomplishments, others by our failures. But what truly defines who we are?

The Labels We Wear

Think about the people you know. What comes to mind when you hear their names? Perhaps it's their profession—"Oh, she's the teacher" or "He's the accountant." Maybe it's a relationship—"That's Sarah's mom" or "John's husband." Sometimes it's a talent or passion that stands out.

These labels aren't necessarily negative. Being known for your work, your creativity, or your relationships can be a beautiful thing. Dr. Seuss, for instance, created a legacy of whimsical stories that continue to delight generations. His imaginative worlds and beloved characters became inseparable from his identity, and that's not a bad thing at all.

But there's another kind of label—one that whispers accusations rather than achievements. One that points to our failures rather than our successes. One that reminds us of who we've been at our worst rather than our best.

A Woman Defined by Sin

In Luke chapter 7, we encounter a woman who bears this heavier kind of label. The Gospel writer doesn't give us her name, her family background, or her occupation. He provides only one descriptor: she was "a sinner."

That's it. That's how everyone knew her.

When she heard that Jesus was dining at the home of Simon the Pharisee, she came to see Him. She brought an alabaster jar of expensive ointment, and in an act of profound humility and devotion, she wept at Jesus's feet. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the precious ointment.

Simon the Pharisee watched this scene unfold with disgust. His internal monologue reveals everything: "If this man were really a prophet, He would know what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—that she is a sinner."

Simon defined her by her sin. In his eyes, her past disqualified her from Jesus's presence. Her mistakes made her untouchable, unworthy, unforgivable.

The Labels We All Carry

Here's the uncomfortable truth: we can all be defined the same way.

Strip away the accomplishments, the relationships, the talents, and the good works, and what remains? The evidence of our sinfulness surrounds us. We damage the very relationships we hold most dear. We mistreat people we're called to love. We harbor bitterness, speak harsh words, act selfishly, and fall short again and again.

We experience illness, anxiety, pain, and ultimately death—all consequences of living in a fallen world marred by sin.

Like that woman in Luke 7, we could all wear the label "sinner" quite accurately.

The Ash We Cannot Wipe Away

There's a powerful tradition in many churches on Ash Wednesday where worshipers receive a cross of ash on their foreheads, accompanied by the sobering words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

It's a stark reminder of our mortality and sinfulness. But here's something interesting about that ash: it doesn't wipe away easily. If you try to remove it with your hand, it just smears. If you use a napkin, it smudges into your skin rather than coming off cleanly.

The ash cross becomes a visible mark that defines you, at least for that day. You are dust. You are mortal. You are a sinner.

And just like that stubborn ash, our sin isn't something we can simply wipe away on our own. It clings to us, marks us, defines us—unless something more powerful intervenes.

The Greater Definition

Here's where the story takes a beautiful turn.

Yes, Jesus knew exactly who this woman was. He knew her better than Simon did. He knew her better than she knew herself. He knew every sin she had ever committed.

But Jesus didn't define her by her sin.

Instead, Jesus saw her sinfulness and offered a solution. He offered forgiveness.

"Whoever is forgiven much, loves much," Jesus explained. This woman had been shown unimaginable love through the gift of forgiveness. Her sins, which were so great they had become her identity in the community, were washed away by grace.

And Jesus spoke words that must have sounded impossible to her ears: "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Water That Washes Clean

Remember that stubborn ash that won't wipe away? What it really needs is water. A good washing removes what mere wiping cannot.

The same is true for our sin. We cannot wipe it away ourselves, no matter how hard we try. We cannot earn our way out of it, work our way past it, or simply decide to leave it behind.

But there is water that washes clean—the water of baptism, where the Holy Spirit washes away sin and marks us as children of God. From the moment we enter this world, we can be brought to these cleansing waters where our deepest stains are removed.

And this forgiveness doesn't stop at baptism. It continues throughout our lives through God's Word, through the proclamation of the Gospel, through the words of absolution, and through the body and blood of Christ received in communion. Through these means, Jesus continually offers forgiveness, continually washing away our sins.

Your True Identity

So what defines you?

Yes, you are a sinner. That's a reality we all live with. The evidence is undeniable, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest.

But is that your truest, deepest identity? Is that the final word on who you are?

No.

The love and forgiveness of Jesus are far greater than your sin. Infinitely greater. Eternally greater.

Jesus continually offers this forgiveness. He speaks the same words to you that He spoke to that woman so long ago: "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you."

You are not primarily defined by your worst moments, your deepest failures, or your most persistent struggles. You are defined by the One who loved you enough to die for you, who rose again to secure your eternal life, and who declares you forgiven, redeemed, and beloved.

That is your truest identity. That is what defines you.

(Blog content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)