Overview
By Brittenne Boykin
Scripture Lesson Text: Luke 7:36-50
Who doesn’t love a good dinner party!, because this week’s text gives us a front row seat to a shared meal that didn’t quite go as planned. We see a Pharisee inviting Jesus to dinner (Vs.36). Much to the surprise of the host and other guests, a woman widely known in the city as a sinner hearing that Jesus will be in attendance, shows up uninvited! She comes bearing a special costly ointment in a fine alabaster box.
This woman then begins to wash Jesus’ feet with her precious tears and wipe them with her hair, showing love and care, she anoints His feet with the costly oil. (Vs.38).
The Pharisee can hardly believe his eyes. So far his prestigious gathering has been crashed by this woman and not just any woman but a sinner! He thinks within himself that Jesus could not be a Prophet, because if he were surely he would know the kind of woman who had touched him (Vs.39). Jesus, knowing the Pharisees’ thoughts, begins to tell him an account of a creditor who had two debtors, one owing much and the other little. The creditor realizing they were completely unable to pay shows mercy and forgave them both.
Jesus then poses the question, ‘ which of them would love him the most? ‘ and Simon rightly answered, the one who had been forgiven much (Vs. 40-43). He turns to the woman and points out to Simon that the woman had shown him far more respect and care by washing feet and with her tears and drying them with her hair, while he the host did neither. SImon neither greeted him properly or showed basic hospitality, while she since the time she came in did not cease to do so, kissing his very feet. (Vs.44-45). Christ lovingly forgives her sins which were many, and notes that she has loved much causing all that were in the midst to begin to wonder who is this that can forgive sin. He affirms her faith in Him and assures her that her faith has saved her and bids her to go in peace. (Vs.47-50)
Related Scriptures
By Charlene Brown
Related Scriptures: John 12:1-8; Matthew 18:23-35; Luke 15:1-7; 18:1-10
In John 12:1-8, we have a similar scene as the lesson text, where Jesus is anointed, by a woman named Mary. Mary also places oil on His feet and wipes His feet with her hair. These scriptures put the spotlight on sacrifice, adoration, devotion and priority. Here we see Mary’s actions of anointing Jesus’ feet as an outward expression of her love and respect for Him. Mary was aware of what lay ahead for Jesus, so her selfless act of anointing Him with expensive oil caused Jesus’ to respond to those in the room, with the importance of honoring Him.
Matthew 18:23-35, shows a parable that reveals the importance of forgiveness, and a king who wishes to settle accounts with his servants. The king is a representation of God, who is so loving, gracious and willing to forgive us our debts, our sins, (which are many), because He loves us and is full of compassion. The servant on the other hand isn’t willing to forgive and show mercy to someone who owed him. The servant is a representation of us, demonstrating how we should forgive others for their wrongs, regardless of how minute it may compare. We are warned not to hold grudges because we received mercy, then we must be merciful towards others.
Luke 15:1-7; 18:1-10, is a very familiar parable of the story of a shepherd who leaves his ninety nine sheep to go find the one that is lost. The shepherd is so joyful that he tells all his friends to rejoice with him. Jesus says that there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents over ninety nine just persons who need no repentance. Here we see God’s unmeasured love for each individual. The emphasis here is on repentance and the joy God feels when one sinner returns to Him, just like the shepherd that goes after those who are lost and rejoices when they return to him.(ref: Ezekiel 34:11-12 ).
Practical Points
By Janice Hall
a) A true understanding of our sin and God’s grace will bring from us an outpouring of love and devotion.
Out of gratitude and love, we express our dedication to God in many ways, for example: with a spirit of humility, a passion to obey, and having a servant’s heart. The power of the Holy Spirit transforms us anew daily, so we can draw near to God and experience His presence throughout the day. A fully surrendered heart calls us to fellowship with Christ so that His power can equip us to carry out His plans. Devotion allows us to adore Him for who He is.!!, a God who withholds nothing from His children. We follow His lead for our lives, we are obedient to His word, and that we are grateful for all He has done for us.
b) Jesus gives us peace when we come to Him in faith.
Jesus provides us with an inner peace that surpasses the peace the world offers. When we look to Him with faith, we can feel peace in any circumstance. Our hope that comes from God, and the work of Jesus accomplished on the cross, gives us complete joy and faith. We thank God for faith that brings us to a peaceful relationship with Him. God’s love for us is holy, complete and will never change.
