The jar represents the past- Our past. 2018 might have carried some pains and  hurts. But we cannot take them into 2019. Breaking the jar allows God’s light to shine through and free us from our past so that we can run our race FREE.

Opening Scripture

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I FOCUS on this ONE THING: FORGETTING THE PAST (BREAKING FREE FROM THE PAST) and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Mark 14:3-9 (The story of the Woman who broke her jar)

Luke 7: 36-39 (The story of the Woman who broke her jar)

• This woman had a clear revelation of who Jesus was. We can imagine her riddled with questions before showing at the house uninvited.

QUESTION 1: How do I get in without an invitation?

Come close to God, and God will come close to you (James 4:8)

• Here’s how you invite yourself in: By drawing near to Jesus, you are inviting Him in
• Breaking free from your past cannot happen if Jesus is not invited  in your past

QUESTION 2: Do I care about public opinion?

It is DANGEROUS to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

• She knew GRACE was invited at the party
• She knew she could trust Jesus with that jar of her past- No guilt- No condemnation

QUESTION 3: Can my identity and honor be restored?

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a NEW PERSON. The old life is gone; a NEW LIFE has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• New Person-New Life- New Identity
• Broken free from the past but not scar free
• Scars are important, even in full and complete restoration

Final Thought: Ready-Set-Go

Jesus said to her, “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.” “YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU. GO IN PEACE.” (Luke 7: 48,50)

• By BREAKING THE JAR OF HER PAST, she was able to finish her race

Conclusion

• You don’t have to carry the jar anymore!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, LET US STRIP OFF EVERY WEIGHT THAT SLOWS US DOWN, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)