Abiding in Jesus: Finding Freedom from Burdens

The Need to Abide

We all have a need to abide, to connect with the source of love, joy, and peace. Our loving Savior is that source. We are all desperate for Him, yet something often holds us back. The barrier that keeps us from experiencing Jesus in His healing, restorative presence is sin. Whether it’s our own sin, someone else’s sin against us, or the impact of this fallen world, we often carry burdens through life.

This baggage—guilt, shame, bitterness, hurt, regret, brokenness, worthlessness—prevents us from fully engaging with the One who wants to free us from it all.

Laying Down Our Burdens

We must lay down what we carry at His feet and leave it there. Only then can we draw close to Jesus as we abide in Him. There is a woman in Scripture who exemplifies how to lay down burdens to abide fully at the feet of Jesus. Let’s explore her story through a Bible study.

Read Luke 7:37-38. Why do you think the woman was doing what she was doing?

This woman, acutely aware of her sin and deeply adoring her Lord, didn’t care who was watching. Her only concern was to express her love and repentance to Him.

How often do we approach Jesus in this way? Even if we are not living overtly sinful lives, we are all sinners. Do we continuously acknowledge our need for Him? Would we act as this woman did, even with religious leaders watching?

What, if anything, is holding you back from openly expressing your faith in Jesus?

Simon the Pharisee's Perspective

Read Luke 7:39. How did Simon the Pharisee think that Jesus should respond to the woman?

Simon’s thoughts were known to Jesus, who responded with a parable.

Read Luke 7:40-43. What is the general theme of this parable?

Read Luke 7:44-46. What does it say about Simon that he did not treat Jesus as a guest of honor?

What does it say about the sinful woman that she did everything Simon neglected to do, and in a much more personal way?

Read Luke 7:47-50. According to verse 50, what saved the woman—her actions or her faith? What does this teach you?

Simon invited Jesus to his home but failed to love and honor Him as a guest. He didn’t even wash Jesus’ feet, a basic courtesy for any host. In contrast, the woman, known for her sins, expressed her love for Jesus in a profound way. It was not her actions that mattered most, but the heart behind them.

The Lesson from the Sinful Woman

The Sinful Woman teaches us how to approach our holy God, even in our unholiness. She was known for her sins, but she was recognized by Jesus for her love and faith. This is why she was forgiven.

Let’s delve deeper into her story.

Come with me to the Book of John.

Read John 11:1-2. Who was the sinful woman?

Who was her brother?

Read John 11:5 and John 11:32-35. How did Jesus feel about the Sinful Woman and her siblings?

Now read Luke 10:38-42. Knowing what you know now, why do you think Mary sat at Jesus’ feet?

A Message to All Women

To every Martha out there, Jesus loves you too! All of you who have been good girls and faithful women are shining examples for those of us who took the long, bumpy road to Jesus. Your testimony proves that we can be devoted to Jesus from a young age and remain steadfast. Thank you for serving Him (and us) so well.

After a lifetime of mistakes, stumbles, and regrets, Mary could sit at the Lord’s feet every day. In Biblical times, students of a rabbi would sit at the rabbi’s feet to learn and gain wisdom. Mary adopted that posture after she wept and cleansed her Savior’s feet. She poured out her sin and shame at the feet of her blessed Redeemer and wiped them away, reduced to nothing when exposed to His grace and love.

The Call to Abide

Precious sister, lay down your burdens at Jesus’ feet. Allow Him to remove that baggage from you, and then remain there, abiding in His merciful presence.

Jesus, with all His loving grace, welcomes anyone who sincerely seeks Him—anyone. He will save us. He will redeem us. He will forgive us of our sins—yes, even that.

Say a prayer of thanks to Him right now.

Lord Jesus, I humbly come before You and lay my sins at Your feet. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for restoring me through the cross. Please help me to remember to abide in You. Lord, I trust my situation to You and I praise You that You are sovereign over it all. In Your Holy Name, Amen.

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Tischa Van de Reep is a Trinidad-born writer and speaker married to Harald, a Dutchman. They live in The Woodlands, TX, with their two sons, Julian and Aidan. Tischa brings authenticity and vulnerability to all her teachings on Scripture. She is the author of “Unpopular: Following Jesus, Not the Crowd” as well as several other Bible teachings and studies. Apart from teaching Scripture from her living room and various churches, Tischa’s work in ministry extends from homeless women in Houston to expat wives in Budapest, Hungary, to rural villagers in Malawi, Africa, and women across the US. For more info, go to tischavandereep.com