Sermon Central
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Example Of The Highest Standard Of Morality
Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Sep 17, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: As a help in understanding the expression "in His human virtues with His divine attributes," let us use some cases in the Gospel of Luke as illustrations. In 7:36-50 a sinful woman came into the home of a Pharisee who had invited the Lord Jesus to eat wit
Example of the Highest Standard of Morality
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Verses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please read Luke 7:36-50
See notes at the end of lesson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Words of Ministry ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As a help in understanding the expression "in His human virtues with His divine attributes," let us use some cases in the Gospel of Luke as illustrations. In 7:36-50 a sinful woman came into the home of a Pharisee who had invited the Lord Jesus to eat with him. As we read the account of this incident, we see that Jesus, the Man-Savior, conducted Himself in His human virtues. He was not at all bothered by that sinful woman... If we had been the Lord Jesus, we probably would have been troubled by the behavior of this woman. We might have said to her, "Don’t you know that I am a guest in this house? Can’t you see that I am eating?" However, to act in that way would be to fail to act in the proper human virtues. In this situation the Man-Savior was very kind and patient, realizing that this woman had been convicted of her sins.
He was also merciful. To be merciful is to sympathize with others in their poor condition and low estate. In addition to exercising kindness, patience, and mercy toward the woman, the Lord Jesus also exercised His understanding. Furthermore, He was wise and loving.
Perhaps you are wondering what divine attributes are expressed in 7:36-50. First, here we have the divine forgiveness (7:47-48). God is the only one who can grant
forgiveness of sins. He alone is qualified to forgive sins. In 7:50 the Lord Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." The giving of peace is also a divine attribute. God is the only one who can give inner peace. In 7:36-50 we see the Man-Savior in the house of a Pharisee acting in His human virtues with His divine attributes. He could behave in such a manner because He was the God-man. Hence, He acted in the highest standard of morality, for His human virtues expressed His divine attributes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Prayer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am also like this sinful woman. I come to You to receive divine forgiveness and peace. Thank You for your mercy, kindness, understanding, and love in Your humanity. I give myself to You. Amen.
[36] And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
a [one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat] This event found only in Luke. Not the same as Mark 14:3-9.
[37] And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
a [woman in the city, which was a sinner] Not Mary Magdalene, for this was in Nain (Luke 7:11-35), not Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. She was known in Nain as "a sinner" (Luke 7:39). Because Mary is mentioned in Luke 8:2 does not prove she is this woman of Nain. Neither is it proof that she was a harlot just because she was a sinner.
b [alabaster box] Made in and named for Alabastron, Egypt, where soft marble is found. Vessels were called alabastra that were also made from other materials. They were various shapes and sizes; the average held about a pint. See notes, §Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3.
c [ointment] See note, §Exodus 30:25.
[38] And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
a [feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears] Eastern people reclined on couches at meals with the feet outward behind them. She came behind Jesus and shed tears on His feet.
b [kissed his feet] This was a custom among the Jews, Greeks, and Romans. It was a mark of affection and reverence. It was practiced by supplicants in making an important request and by conquered people as a token of subjection and obedience.
c [anointed them with the ointment] This was the first of three anointings of Jesus—here and twice during the week of His death (Matthew 26:7-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:3-8).
[39] Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
