The Need for Surrender

Written By Mike Woodard

Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.

Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard

Follow The Valley Church

Following Jesus is a journey marked by continual steps of faith—steps we take even when we don’t have all the answers. Whether it’s in our families, finances, relationships, spiritual habits, or daily decisions, every believer faces moments where God invites us to move forward despite uncertainty. But these steps of faith aren’t only about obedience; they’re deeply connected to worship, surrender, and drawing near to Jesus.

In Luke 7:36–50, we meet a woman whose life was marked by sin and shame, yet she takes a bold, costly step of faith to get near Jesus. Her story reveals three powerful areas every follower of Jesus must surrender in order to grow: our past, our attachments, and our sin.

1. Surrendering Our Past

This woman was known in her community as a “sinner”—likely a public, notorious one. Her reputation alone could have kept her from walking into the Pharisee’s house. Yet she came anyway. She surrendered her past to take one step toward Jesus.

Many of us feel disqualified by our past failures, regrets, or labels. But Scripture reminds us:

  • “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” — John 8:36

  • “The old has passed away; the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

  • “I remember your sins no more.” — Isaiah 43:25

Your past may explain you, but it does not define you. Faith begins where self-condemnation ends. Like the woman in Luke 7, we must surrender the past so we can step into the freedom and identity Jesus offers.

2. Surrendering What We Hold Onto

When the woman approaches Jesus, she brings her alabaster jar—likely her most valuable possession—and breaks it open. It was worth a year’s wages and may have been her financial security. But surrender leads her to pour it out at Jesus’ feet.

Every step of faith requires letting go of something. It may be:

  • Pride

  • Control

  • Fear

  • A comfort zone

  • A habit

  • A relationship

  • A plan you built for yourself

In Scripture, following Jesus always comes with a cost. The disciples left their nets. Elisha burned his plows. This woman broke her jar. Faith means stepping toward Jesus and stepping away from something else.

The question becomes:
What do I value that I need to surrender so I can move closer to Jesus?

3. Surrendering Our Sin and Shame

Luke 7 contrasts two people: the sinful woman and the self-righteous Pharisee. One is broken over her sin. The other is indifferent toward his own. Jesus makes the distinction unmistakable—the one who sees the depth of their sin loves Him most deeply.

To understand grace, we must understand sin. The severity of sin is determined by the authority of the one sinned against. Sin against a holy, perfect, almighty God carries immeasurable weight. Yet that same God chose to forgive, redeem, and welcome us through Jesus.

When we truly grasp the magnitude of our sin and the even greater magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice, we respond like the woman—with humility, love, and surrender.

The Result of Surrender

This woman walked into the room uninvited, but she walked out forgiven. She arrived carrying her past, her shame, and her most valuable possession, but she walked away carrying peace, salvation, and an unshakeable place at Jesus’ table.

Her story reminds us:

  • Your past doesn’t disqualify you.

  • Your sacrifice is seen by God.

  • Your sin can be forgiven.

  • Your faith can move you from shame to salvation.

Every step of faith is a step of surrender—and every step of surrender leads you closer to Jesus.

Mike Woodard
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