INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. She Came to Him Reviled
2. She Bore Her Remorse
3. She Left Him Restored
Introductory Remarks.
1. Our lesson today will discuss a theme: “A sinner came to dinner." This lesson deals with a woman of the city, having many sins coming to Jesus condemned, but showing deep contrition and left restored, cleansed (forgiven) of her sins: because of the love and compassion of Jesus. This lesson shows how some are indeed burdened by their sins, while others are unaware that they are sinners. Jesus will present for our consideration a lesson of His love for all sinners and affirm: "those that are forgiven most will love Him more." We will discuss three points in this lesson. They are,
2. First, we will consider how she came unto Jesus being reviled and scorned by Simon, a Pharisee, and his guest, who had invited Him to dinner: “That He might eat with him.” We do not know how she learned that the Lord was dining at the Pharisee’s house, but she made her way there: appearing unannounced at the house of Simon. Chatter between the Pharisee and his guest indicated she was a sinner, a woman of the city. Luke wrote: she was “a woman in the city.” Many commentaries describe her as a harlot, but I am not sure that is the case. The Pharisees had nothing to do with “publicans and sinners.” And would stay away from them at all costs. Simon, however, did not ask his servants to remove her. I suspect it was because she went immediately to Jesus’ feet and began to wash them. While Simon and the other guest looked on, expressing disfavor for the woman and questioning Jesus as being a prophet.
3. Second, we will discuss how she bore sincere remorse for her sins. Luke wrote: "She washed his feet with her tears and dried them with the hairs of her head." She wept uncontrollably, kissing His feet and anointing them with the fragrant oil she brought for that very reason. Jesus is moved with compassion for her and tells the host a parable of two debtors. When He concluded, he compared her acts of love to the Pharisees. After asking him: "If both debtors, one owing 500 pence and the other 50 pence, were forgiven of their entire debt." He asked Simon, "which would love their master the most?" He replied: “I suppose the one forgiven them most.” Jesus said: “You have answered correctly.” He then begins to apply His parable unto the Pharisee and his guest.
4. Lastly, we will investigate how she left the presence of the Lord restored: being forgiven of her sins and saved by her faith: due to her great love for Jesus. Luke wrote: "And Jesus said unto Simon, do you see this woman? I came into your house, but you gave me no water to wash my feet, but she has " bedew them" or washed them with her tears and dried them with the hair of her head; Simon, you did not greet me with a kiss, but this woman has ceased not to kiss them since she came into your house; and Simon, you gave me no oil for my head, but she has anointed my feet with an oil of a lively aromatic fragrant. Therefore, once forgiven, I say unto you, her many sins: "she will love me more.” Then He said unto the woman, “thy sins are forgiven thee, thy faith hath saved thee, go, in peace.” And those at dinner said: “who is this that also forgiveth sins.” This woman came refused by all but left reclaimed and forgiven by the Son of man, who had “power to forgive sins while on the earth; and power to forgive sins being in heaven sitting on His throne as our “great high priest,” Hebrews 4:14-16. Let's consider our first point in this lesson with this brief introduction completed.
BODY OF LESSON
I SHE CAME TO HIM REVILED
A. Jesus’ invited. Luke wrote: “And one of the Pharisees desired that Jesus would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisees’ house, and sat down to meat,” Luke 7:36. Apparently, the rift between the scribes and Pharisees was not yet widened, that they could not extend unto Him the courtesy to "dine with them." Although Jesus accepted this invitation, the Pharisees held Him and His work in suspicion! The Master's parable of two debtors will be necessary for Simon and his guest before they could understand Jesus' ministry unto all sinners. Observe,
1. Jesus was always willing to eat with the people. Simon, a Pharisee, invited the Lord to join him for dinner. The Lord accepted his invitation. Christians, too, ought to be men and women of hospitality to one another. Consider,
a. The church leaders are selected based on their love and willingness to: “Be given to hospitality,” 1 Timothy 3:2. Having a mind and disposition of kindness, friendliness, and generosity to all men, especially "unto the household of faith," Galatians 6:9-10. Christians that show a spirit of goodwill and sociableness when welcoming visitors and friends are admirable character traits of their faith.
b. Saints are encouraged by the scriptures to: “Let brotherly love continue…and to be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware,” Hebrews 13:1-2. Every saint should feel welcomed in the house of God. Every visitor should feel appreciated and know your expressions of love to them are sincere and consistently exhibits the spirit of Christ.
c. Paul wrote: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy)…Being kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another…distributing to the necessity of the saints; and given to hospitality,” Romans 12:9-13. (Text shortened for brevity).
2. Jesus went to the Pharisees’ house and joined him at dinner. He was not a “respecter of person.” The scribes and Pharisees sent spies to catch Him in words to deliver Him to the authority and the governor. The spies: “Asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly,” Luke 20:20-21. They noted,
a. That Jesus sayest and teaches rightly. Jesus taught the scriptures correctly, not like the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus rebukes them for their interpretation and presentation of the scripture. Jesus said: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying: These people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain, they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men…Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch,” Matthew 15:7-14.
b. That He did not accept any man’s person. He did not have favorites, nor did He disregard any man. He welcomed and loved all people alike. He did not show partiality or respect for persons.
c. That He teachest the way of God truly. He knew and taught the way of God sincerely.
d. Conclusion: What about us? We must first work on these areas in our homes, the church, and the world. Let’s continue,
3. They (Jesus, the Pharisee, and his other guests): "all sat down to eat,” Luke 7:36. Jesus befriended and ate with “publicans and sinners,” Luke 15:1-2; Luke 5:30. This kind of behavior was shunned by the Pharisees, who considered them unclean and communicable (infectious by social contact). Consider,
a. All sat down. The verb “sat” here in Gr. is anaklino or an-ak-lee'-no, which means to lean back: —lay, (make) sit down. The picture has been bidden to recline at a table or feasts, Luke 7:30; Luke 12:37. This posture permitted the woman to approach His feet while outstretched on a couch or sofa to eat. (The word in the context of the scriptures will dictate one's posture).
b. The leaders of Israel accused Him of being: “A gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” Luke 7:34. All of which was true; Jesus did eat with publicans and sinners. He dines now with a Pharisee who will learn he, too, is a sinner.
c. I thank God, He is a friend to sinners; where He not, where would I be now?
d. The dinner arrangements were different then than they are now. Observe,
1) First, they were open to those not invited to dine. The people came to see the visiting dignitary. Such gatherings were a kind of entertainment for all those attending them.
2) Second, those who attended the dinner would sit around the dining area walls, listening to the conversation of the host, the dignitary, and the other guests invited.
3) Finally, this was a time for teaching and learning for the host, his guests, and others in the house.
4. The normal posture to eat then was to recline. All would face the table and each other while in the prone position. Each would take from the table with one hand and brace themselves while partaking in the meal. We will speak more about this later in the lesson.
5. They would engage in conversation while eating together. However, while everyone ate and was engaged in discussion, behold, there came a sinner, not invited to dinner, into the courtyard and through the doors: into the hall where the meal was being served and eaten. Luke mentioned,
B. A sinner not invited. He penned: "And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house,” she invited herself to dinner. I might add that no one cried out: "What is she doing here? Where did she come from?” Like at many family gatherings when Uncle Cecil or Cousin John drops by the house. They now sit in amazement at how Jesus graciously interacts with this woman (all eyes are on them). And what a site to behold! Luke calls her,
1. A woman in the city. One Commentator wrote: she was probably a harlot (the record, however, does not describe her as such). She was, though, a woman in the city (meaning a resident of that city). Nain’s was the city where all these things occurred, Luke 7:11. We do not know how she obtained the information about the Lord’s visit to the house of Simon the Pharisee.
a. Maybe, one of the guests could have told her, or she might have learned it from witnessing the commotion at Simon's house.
b. She could have attended these gatherings regularly. Not as a guest but as a visitor to witness what was occurring at Simon's dinners. Tonight, however, she came to meet Jesus, her Savior.
c. I would imagine she had heard of His compassion and tender mercy from others.
d. She had learned and believed that there was mercy even for her at the “feet of Jesus.” And it would be there she would find it amid all these religious leaders.
2. Which was a sinner. In the Pharisees’ eyes, this woman was an outcast, refused and rejected. But she shall find acceptance at Jesus’ feet. Who, at dinner, was not a sinner? None but Jesus. Some are unaware that they are sinners. But she knew of her condition and sought a change in her life. Jesus will teach all those there the sincere measure of love. [Those who are forgiven most would love Him more!] What a lesson awaits them this very evening.
3. She knew Jesus sat at meat. But, at this dinner, she would come to see Jesus. Perhaps tired of her life of rejection by the socialites and was compelled to meet Jesus, who had heard cared for people even like her. O' the wretch of a woman she was, she believed Jesus would accept her like he did others of her social standing. Publican and sinners, the outcast of the religious rulers of Israel. But known and loved by God, and shall be first as Jesus promises: "To sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God," Matthew 8:11; Luke 12:37-38.
4. In the Pharisee’s house. What a welcome she would receive by the Son of man: “Who was come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. Just as he had done at Zacchaeus’ house, Luke 19:1-10. Jesus told Zacchaeus: “This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham," Luke 19:9.
5. She invited herself to dinner. She did not bring a dish but something more valuable. She brought the best thing she had, an alabaster box of precious ointment. I'll speak about this later in the lesson.
C. Custom of the time. It was a custom that when an important guest was invited to a host’s home, people would come to be part of the discussions that would be held. Not necessarily to engage in them but to listen. (To be expanded upon later).
D. Simon’s judgment. Luke continued: “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,” Luke 7:39. Jesus knew who she was, and He also knew who and what these Pharisees’ were: they were also sinners. Notice,
1. Simon saw it. When the host saw this woman bathing His feet with her tears and drying them with the hair of her head, he questioned whether Jesus could be a prophet. Hear him,
2. He spake within himself, saying: “This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman is that toucheth Him,” Luke 7:39. Yes, He is a prophet, more than a prophet: He is the one that John the Baptist told you He was coming, Matthew 3:1-3; Matthew 3:11. Observe,
a. John was sent unto them by Him. He was the greatest prophet “born of a woman,” Luke 7:24-38.
b. The Pharisees and lawyers did not hear John nor obey his message, Matthew 3:7-10.
c. They “rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him,” Luke 7:30.
d. But the people “that heard him, and the publicans (who they called sinners) justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John,” Luke 7:29.
3. The Pharisee judged: “that she was a sinner.” Well, who at the dinner was not a sinner? Except for Jesus. Everything “in the house was a sinner” except Jesus, who came to save them.
4. Be careful what you think or say about Jesus (or each other). The Lord hears your words and reads your thoughts. This Jesus will show the Pharisees through His illustration of two debtors. Consider,
E. Jesus tells a parable of two debtors. Luke wrote: “And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on: There was a certain creditor with two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged,” Luke 7:40-43. We will review Jesus’ application later in the lesson. But now, let’s consider the woman’s remorse.
II SHE BORE HER REMORSE
A. A woman in the city. Luke wrote: “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, 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,” Luke 7:37-38. Luke describes the woman's remorse and sorrow for her sins. God requires a heart of true repentance and willingness to forsake all of our sins (to no longer practice them). Observe,
1. She brought no exotic dish for the host. She bore only her sins and remorse unto the feet of Jesus. She brought “an alabaster box of ointment." The ointment was a priceless gift that someone special (her beloved) may have given her. Maybe, even as an endowment of marriage. For a marriage that did not take place for reason unknown unto us. She will now use it to anoint the feet of Jesus, now her beloved. Can I stay here a little while? Please let me for just a few moments.
2. Alabaster box. The Gr., word for “alabaster box” is alabastron or al-ab'-as-tron, which is the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e., a perfume vase (of any material): —(alabaster) box. A box made of an alabaster stone, in which unguents (ointments, oils, lotions, etc.) were preserved, Luke 7:37; Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3. These were costly oils and perfumes. Older women have behaved similarly,
NOTE: Illustrate Maggie's wedding dress. She kept it and chose to wear it during her baptism into Christ, by Marshall Keeble, in Madison, TN. I will share this entire story in my closing remarks.
3. This woman bathes the feet of Jesus with her tears, dries them with her hair, kisses them repeatedly, and tenderly anoints them with precious aromatic oil. The bride would pour these costly perfumes over the head of her beloved at the marriage dinner before they ate. Luke continued,
B. She stood at His feet. He wrote, “And (she) 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,” Luke 7:38. Looking at this scene a little closer,
1. She stood at His feet: “Behind Him weeping.” Luke made it clear she did not claim equality with the Lord by going to His face or standing at His side. She went to His feet, and there she began to weep (in great remorse for her sins). We learned they were many! Consider,
a. She was weeping. It will only be when we can weep over our sins (like this woman) that you will overcome them through the tender mercy and forgiveness of Jesus. No person ever left Jesus' presence unforgiven that came to Him bearing sorrow, guilt, and remorse for their sinful condition. It is unto these He invites: "Come unto me:"
1) “All ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30.
2) “And drink (if any man thirst), He that believeth on me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water,” John 7:37-39. And so “And the Spirit, and the bride.” Say come,
3) "And let him that heareth say, Come. And whosoever will let him (come and) take the water of life freely," Revelation 22:17. This woman, now cometh unto Him that giveth the water of life. And let Him that is athirst say, Come…
d) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me,” Revelation 3:20. As she weeps,
2. And washed Jesus’: “Feet with her tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed them” with love, tenderness, and kindness. Her tears say it all to those having a loving heart of compassion, like Jesus. The tears from her eyes were purifying her heart. See her tears, beloved of the Lord,
a. Tears of contrition (sorrow and sincere regret over her sins). The word “wash” here bears two meanings translated from two Interlinear.
1) The BLB translates the word "wash" in Gr., brecho, or brekh'-o, as to wash, to moisten (especially by a shower): —(send) rain, wash. The KJV of the bible, Luke 7:38.
2) The Englishman's Greek New Testament, Authorized Version of 1611, translated the word “brekh'-o” as “bedew.” It reads: “And (she) standing at his feet behind weeping, began to bedew His feet with tears,” page 173. KJV, Luke 7:38. The word “brekh'-o" was translated as "bedew," which meant “to rain down.” Her tears rained down upon Jesus’ feet from her eyes. They were washing His feet, and she was drying them with her hair. The New Revised Standard Version Interlinear so agrees. Consider,
3) The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "With her tears, she began to wet the feet of Him and with the hair of the head of her she was wiping (them) off," Page 224. This view, I believe, is the more accurate picture of what we see in this woman's act of faith in Jesus. She ignored the scorn and endured the criticism to show her love for Him, who could forgive her sins and give her heart peace before God. Amen, sister Ceilings and brother Doors! We observe,
b. A heart of repentance. No one will ever be forgiven of their sins until they become sorrowful enough to repent and forsake them. She came to Jesus broken, rejected, and scorned. What a heavy price she had paid for her sins. But Jesus loved her and knew the abounding depth of her love for Him. John the Baptist preached: "Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance, and began not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise children unto Abraham," Luke 3:8. What God requires, is a heart burden with repentance, and a steadfast resolve to confess and forsake our sins. We will revisit this later in the lesson. Observe,
c. Tears that never cease. Some here right now: are also burdened, broken, and feel forsaken and rejected, just like this woman. You came to this assembly seeking forgiveness and peace. Jesus, the same "today, yesterday, and forever," Hebrews 13:8. He is willing to forgive you of all your sins. This woman's tears and yours will touch Jesus’ heart. And He will shower upon you His compassionate love, forgiveness, and peace. Consider these writers,
1) The word “tears” in Gr., is dakry or dak'-roo, which means a tear: —tear, to cry. Yes, it is the burden of our sins and transgressions. Sin and our pain and suffering because of it will cause us to have many sleepless nights. Worrying about our lost conditions before God. Many may want to experience God's love but are being kept from His grace and mercy. Just like that old Rhythm and Blues Classic from years ago: "Something Got a Hold on Me!" Yes, it is your sin and transgressions. Perhaps, you are not sorry enough yet to seek God's forgiveness, "though He is not far from anyone of us," Acts 17:27-31; Isaiah 55:6-11. This woman found forgiveness at Jesus’s feet. She went home rejoicing and at peace with God. We will share how you too can receive His blessings. Listen,
2) David reminds us:
a) First, “Thou tellest my wanderings: put my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee…this I know; for God is for me,” Psalms 56:8-9.
b) Further, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night I make my bed swim; I water my couch with my tears,” Psalms 6:6.
c) Finally, “My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3.
3) Solomon pens: “She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they have become her enemies,” Lamentations 1:2; Lamentations 2:18-19. O’ but what a friend we have in Jesus! “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you,” 1 Peter 4:7.
d. Conclusion: Tears shed in repentance and remorse will not go disregarded by the Lord. He is willing to forgive, and He is willing to grant unto you that "peace that passeth all understanding," Philippians 4:6-7. These exact words: "Thy faith hath saved thee (made them whole), go, in peace,” Jesus spake unto two women desiring forgiveness and healing. Notice,
1) First, to one forgiven of her sins. Jesus said: "Woman, thy faith hath saved thee, go, in peace," Luke 7: 50. He can heal the soul.
2) Second, to another healed of her plague. Jesus said: "Daughter, thy faith hath made you whole; go in peace and be whole of thy plague,” Mark 5:34. He can heal the body.
3) Finally, He can forgive your sins and give you peace: if you come to Him as these women did, in faith, repentance, and trust in His power to forgive and heal your broken and contrite heart. Luke continued. He wrote,
3. She anointed: “Them (His feet) with the ointment (a sweet perfume),” Luke 7:38; Luke 7:46. Let me stay here a minute or two. Her alabaster box was undoubtedly an expensive ointment she desired to pour on the head of someone significant in her life. Notice,
a. The word ointment in Gr., is Myron or moo'-ron, which means one probably of foreign origin, i.e., "myrrh" or an aromatic oil: —ointment. A very precious ointment, to be poured on the head of one that is important as they sat at dinner and like the “very precious ointment poured over Jesus’ head in Bethany, while he sat at meat in the house of Simon the leper,” Matthew 26:7.
b. Mark described it as: "An alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she breaks the box, and poured it on His (Jesus') head," Mark 14:3. Mark, is describing this same scene in Bethany, that took place in Simon the leper’s house.
c. John also mentions an anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary, the sister of Lazarus, in Bethany. He wrote: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment… while Judas Iscariot complained of its cost of the oil which they could have sold for (three hundred pence) … Jesus said, Let her alone: (for) against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you, but me ye have not always," John 12:3-8. Some think it was Mary here that Luke wrote about in our text of emphasis. But Matthew Henry explained,
d. He wrote: “One of the sisters is particularly described to be that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, v. 2. Some think she was that woman that we read of, Lu. 7:37, 38, who had been a sinner, a bad woman. I rather think it refers to that anointing of Christ which this evangelist relates (ch. 12:3); for the evangelists do never refer one to another, but John frequently refers in one place of his gospel to another…acts of piety and devotion that come from an ethical principle of love to Christ will not only find acceptance with him but gain reputation in the church, Mt. 26:13,” Page 1808.
1) Matthew Henry did not think it was this Mary that Luke wrote about in our text.
2) I agree there should be no such contrast or correlation.
3) I believe John would have written so if he thought she was the same woman.
e. Conclusion: We know now why this ointment was precious unto this woman of the city, which she is using unknowingly for the very self-same purpose. She is doing this for the day of Jesus’ burial by anointing His feet with a precious sweet-smelling aromatic, which now fills the Pharisees’ entire house: with a fragrant perfume as they are eating dinner. This courtesy the Pharisee had failed to do himself or directed his servant to have done. Jesus will remind him of his lack of hospitality at the end of His parable of two debtors. Stay with me, my beloved in the Lord,
C. Her acts of contrition. Sprang forth from a “broken and contrite spirit,” Psalms 34:18. Notice her actions while in the presence of Jesus: she was weeping, washing His feet with tears and wiping them dry with her hair. She kissed them repeatedly and anointed them with an ointment—showing all the signs of sorrow, guilt and remorse for her sins before the loving Savior. Consider,
1. David wrote: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,” Psalms 51:17. David again,
a. First, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds,” Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18.
b. Further, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit,” Psalms 34:18.
c. Finally, “For…in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Psalms 30:5. This woman's tear shall be turned into joy; as she leaves Him in peace.
NOTE: Illustrate Jesus the Lamb of God: “Which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29.
2. Solomon wrote: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,” Proverbs 28:13.
3. Isaiah wrote: “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word,” Isaiah 66:2.
4. Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:3. It is the broken in heart and spirit which shall inherit the kingdom of God. Not the proud and high-minded! The Master illustrated this truth in this parable. He illustrates,
NOTE: Two men went to the temple to pray, Luke 18:9-14; Psalms 102:17. Are your eyes their church? Hear His words,
a. The setting in the temple: “And He spake this parable unto certain (we know who they are now) which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican (sinner),” Luke 18:9-10. Are you seeing the Master’s picture? One a Pharisee and the other a sinner (like this woman)! He continued,
b. The first: “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess,” Luke 18:11-12. Is this not the Pharisee with whom Jesus is now eating at his house? Their hearts are filled with anger and resentment for this woman. At the same time, they show pride and self-righteousness in their perceived standing before God.
c. The other: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner,” Luke 18:13. Is this not the woman who is now washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, and drying them with her hair? A heart filled with regret, remorse, and guilt for her sins. (This is the saint that comes in late and leaves early so as not to be seen or chastised for their absence from the worship). They need a hug, a warm embrace, and words of encouragement from us, not condemnation! It's mighty quiet out there! I wish I had some help in this lesson. Let's hear the Master's conclusion.
d. Jesus’ says: “I tell you; this man (a sinner) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted,” Luke 18:14. The sinner went home justified. The Pharisee, well, he went home! He returned to his house like he came, unjustified before God. Listen to Paul,
5. He wrote to Corinth: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10. He preached: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom God hath ordained; and hath given assurance unto all men, in that, He hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31; Acts 3:19.
D. The parable presented. Luke wrote: "And Jesus said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on: There was a certain creditor with two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged,” Luke 7:40-43. Let’s be aware the two debtors are both in the presence of the creditor, Jesus. Listen to Him,
1. First, the creditor. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors. Before Jesus, right now, they are both debtors. Jesus is the creditor. The debt of both is their sins. He continued,
a. The woman's debt. She owed five hundred pence. She owed a more significant debt for her sins were many. The burden of debt hits us all when it comes to our sins. Some owe more outstanding debts because of the life they have lived and the sins they have committed. She is now responsible for her debt.
b. And the other fifty pence. The Pharisee’s debt. Jesus now makes an application to Simon. A religious man, righteous in his own eyes, not guilty of the sins and infractions of the woman. However, yet a sinner and responsible for his debt. But Jesus says,
2. Further, “And when they had nothing to pay. But he frankly forgave them both.” When neither of them had anything to pay, he frankly forgave them both. We cannot pay this debt for our sins. It has to be forgiven. Jesus paid our debt: “It is finished,” John 19:30. Our sin bill can be canceled by our faith and obedience to Christ. Jesus now asks the Pharisees who would love Him most. Hear the Pharisees’ answer to Jesus’ question. Simon,
3. Lastly, “Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged,” Luke 7:40-43.
4. The parable’s application: Jesus said: “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little,” Luke 7:47. Jesus now turns to Simon and gives him an example of her love as it compares to his own. Luke continued,
E. Simon’s poor hospitality. He penned: “And (Jesus) turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment,” Luke 7:44-46. I, now paraphrase: Jesus said unto the Pharisee and all at dinner: “Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, Thou gavest:”
1. First, “Me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.” We will revisit this verse later in the lesson. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 1989 reads: "But she hath bathe my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair,” Luke 7:44. She has deluged (flooded) my feet with her tears. O' the pain she must have released at Jesus' feet. And the mercy and grace she has received. Jesus continued,
2. Further, “Me, no kiss: but this woman hath not ceased to kiss my feet.” Simon, you gave me no greeting, no words of welcome, no kiss of brotherly love or handshake. But this woman…O' may the Lord forgive us all! "But when ye sin so against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ,” 1 Corinthians 8:13; James 2:9-10.
NOTE: Tell of my visit to the Enterprise Church of Christ in September 1967. My greeting was: “Your brothers are worshiping on West Adams Street around the corner.” I asked: “Who do you think I am? Am I not your brother?” Along with many other scathing (cutting) words. After I thoroughly rebuked them (the minister and elders). I quietly asked: “Where did you say my brothers’ were located?” Thank you! I hurriedly proceeded to the church building where Brother Ulysses Shields was the minister. My beloved Grandfather in the gospel! It was a blessing to know and love him and momma Shields for their loving work in the gospel at West Adams Street.
3. Next, “Me, no oil to anoint my head: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.” Simon, she anointed them with a sweet perfume, had you anointed me, it would have been olive oil. Amen, somebody, Jesus' feet, and the whole house smelled of spikenard (a very costly perfume). Simon, who loves me more? We will discuss this anointing again before we conclude. Quoting from one of our noted brothers,
NOTE: B. W. Johnson wrote: “We must imagine the guests arriving; Simon receiving them with all courtesy, and embracing each in turn; slaves ready to wash the dust of the road from their sandaled feet, and to pour sweet olive oil over their heads to soften (their) parching skin. See Gen. 18:4; 19:2; Amos 6:6; Matt. 6:17, Etc. But there is one of the guests not thus treated. He is but a poor man, invited as an act of condescending patronage. No kiss is offered Him; no slave waits upon Him, of course… (Jesus) cannot (be given) the luxuries others (were) accustomed to,” Page 252. (Insertions are mine).
a. Jesus was not given the same basic courtesies that Simon’s other guests received at their entrance.
b. This washing of feet and anointing of Jesus’ head is a jester of love Simon should have performed!
4. Finally, “Wherefore, I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven: because she loved, much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little,” Luke 7:47.
5. Conclusion: We sit like Simon and judge others as if we have no sins. But we all are sinners; none standing before God can claim to be righteous. We are all not only sinners but also debtors. God alone can forgive our debts. There’s nothing we could ever do to repay Him for the gift of forgiveness. Remember, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. And “there is none righteous, no, not one,” Romans 3:10. Now, let’s consider the last point in this lesson.
III SHE LEFT HIM RESTORED
A. We all are debtors. Simon the Pharisee did not know that he was also a sinner. The woman came to dinner as a sinner but left restored, reclaimed (reconciled) unto God by Jesus’ grace and mercy. She came troubled but left in peace. Isn't this what everyone wants? Everyone at dinner was a sinner. The only one that was not was the Master! Hear Jesus' interpretation of this story of two debtors. He explains,
1. Both were debtors. Not only was the woman a sinner, but so was also Simon. Her sins were many, but his, however, so slight: he was nonetheless a sinner. Jesus wanted Simon to know that: "He who is forgiven most will love Him more," Luke 7:47. Paul, the apostle, wrote that this was so. Hear him. Observe,
2. Paul, a debtor. He wrote: “I am (a) debtor both to the Greeks and the Barbarians; both to the wise and the unwise. So, as much as I am, I am ready to preach the gospel to you in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:14-17. Here is what the beloved apostle confessed:
a. I am a debtor to all humanity, the Greeks, the Barbarians, and the wise and unwise.
b. I am ready to preach the gospel (the message of peace) to all in Rome, as I have elsewhere.
c. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for in it resides the power of God unto salvation. To everyone that believeth, both Jews and Greeks.
d. For in it the righteousness of God has been uncovered from faith to faith: as it is written: The just shall live by (the) faith (that has been hidden in Christ Jesus).
3. We are all forgiven to forgive. Matthew wrote: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven,” Matthew 18:21-22. In other words, keep forgiving him; by the 489th time, he might get it together! Amen, somebody out there! Forgive your brother as God forgives you. Aren't you glad God doesn’t end His forgiveness unto us at the 490th time? Aren’t you glad that God continues to forgive us as long as we repent, confess and forsake our sins?
a. Jesus’ illustrates unto His disciple’s forgiveness, Matthew 18:23-34.
b. Jesus’ application unto us. He said: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses,” Matthew 18:35; Luke 17:1-5.
c. Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness. Matthew wrote: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses,” Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:31-32.
d. The ability to forgive releases the soul's hurt, anger, and bitterness. We will never experience real peace in Christ Jesus if it is never released. That peace which "passeth all understanding, that shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7-8.
e. This is that peace Jesus bids the woman to go possessing: Her sins being forgiven; faith had saved her, and the peace she desired is granted to her by God. This was possible because of Jesus’ love and compassion: “Her sins which were many shall now abound in a greater love and devotion unto her Savior.” Say Amen, somebody!
3. Paul, the chief of sinners. To Timothy, he wrote: "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious (violent): but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was abundant with faith and love in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation that Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause (reason) I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting,” 1 Timothy 1:12-16. Listen to him talking to his Son Timothy.
a. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who:
1) Enabled me. Empowered, strengthened, and fortified Paul for his "service to Christ."
2) Counted me faithful. Declared Paul to be faithful to this "work of the ministry."
3) Putting me into the ministry “as an apostle of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
b. Who was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious (person of violence).
c. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
d. And the grace of our Lord was abundant with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
e. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that:
1) Christ came into the world to save sinners.
2) Of which I am chief. I am the worst of the lot.
3) Howbeit for this cause (reason), I obtained mercy.
4) That in me first Jesus Christ might show forth:
a) All longsuffering. Paul was given all the longsuffering of God. Waiting for the appointed time, to call him by His grace: "But when it pleased God…To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathens,” Galatians 1:15-16. (If Christ can save the chief, He can save all the Indians).
b) For a pattern to them. To the entire world.
c) Which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.
d) They, too, can believe in Him unto life eternal.
NOTE: Why was Paul such a soldier for the Lord? "He who is forgiven most will love Him more."
B. She was forgiven. Jesus said unto her: “Thy sins are forgiven,” Luke 7:48. This was an act of love, faith, and forgiveness. The woman's sins were bearing heavily upon her heart as she stood at the feet of Jesus. The Lord had love, compassion, and mercy for her. He forgave her sins. He said: “Thy sins are forgiven.” She did not ask for such, but her sorrow and tears were her witnesses. O', what beautiful words of love and forgiveness! She brought Jesus her fruit of repentance,
1. “Tears of sorrow and regret for her sins.” The Master said: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven. For she loved much.” Are you listening to the Savior? With,
2. “Humility she was bathing His feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, and repeatedly kissing them.” One translation reads: "She ceases not ardently kissing my feet,” Page 174—the Englishman's Greek New Testament, Authorized Version of 1611, 1896.
3. “An alabaster box of precious ointment.” That she had kept, not knowing why. We can only surmise for the same purpose for which Mary anointed them. Consider,
4. “To anoint the Savior’s feet” in preparation for His burial, John 11:2; John 12:3-8.
5. Conclusion: What are you willing to bring to the Lord? May I suggest: “That you bring your sins and lay them at His feet, and leave them there. And go home forgiven and at peace with God. Paul wrote: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2. I will tell you how at the end of this lesson. Let us now hasten to a conclusion. Notice Simon’s guests,
C. Luke inscribed: “And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” Luke 7:49. They all appear to be just like him, full of self and none of Jesus! As they sat at meat with Jesus. The other guest,
1. They began to say within themselves. Notice these guests are reasoning in their hearts: "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?" Luke 7:49. They knew that God only forgiveth sins. How now do they reconcile what they have just heard Jesus say unto the woman: "Thy sins are forgiven," Luke 7:48.
2. Jesus healed the man with palsy. Luke wrote: "And when He (Jesus) saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which blasphemes? Who can forgive sins, but God alone," Luke 5:20-21.
a. Matthew wrote: “And, behold certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth,” Matthew 9:3.
b. Mark wrote: “Why doth this man thus speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” Mark 2:7.
c. Each of these accounts refers to the same miracle of the man healed of his palsy (a paralytic).
d. Jesus replied: “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion,” Mark 2:9-12.
3. Although not said: He now exhibits the same authority to forgive this woman's sins. To ensure she understood, Jesus paid her debt: He said again,
D. To the woman. “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace,” Luke 7:48-50. The woman at the Pharisees’ house. Who came to Him with great remorse for her sins. She was washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. Anointing His feet with a precious ointment of her love. Jesus was deeply moved with compassion and said unto her: “Thy sins are forgiven thee…Woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace,” Luke 7:48-50. Let me close with these great authors,
1. B. W. Johnson wrote: “This woman, a great sinner, shows that her great love forgives her. Her faith in Jesus led her to trust for forgiveness. Her faith brought her to the feet of Christ, a contrite and weeping sinner. All her tokens of penitence and affection could not, even in the eyes of sinful men, wash away the stain of her (sinful) life, but the grace of Christ led her to true peace as her abiding condition. Thy sins are forgiven…Thy faith hath saved thee. Go in peace. —Schaf,” Page 205.
2. Matthew Henry wrote: “(H)e loves to speak pardon and peace to penitents: He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee, v. 50. This would confirm and double her comfort in the forgiveness of her sin, that her faith justified her. All these expressions of sorrow for sin and love for Christ were the effects and products of faith; therefore, as the faith of all graces doth most honor God, Christ doth of all graces put most honor upon faith. Note, They who know that their faith hath saved them may go in peace may go on their way rejoicing,” Page 1145.
3. Charles H. Spurgeon noted: “Yes, he who knew all about the woman's sin, he who had power on earth to forgive sins, had said to her, "Thy sins are forgiven." Ay, but there was still more to follow, for the Lord spoke to her a second time and said, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." So, she was not only delivered from the guilt of sin but also the power of sin. Her faith had saved her; she was a saved woman so that she might go in peace,” Sermon (No. 2770), March 23rd, 1902. BLB.org, Study Resources: Text Commentaries: C. H. Spurgeon: Sermons.
4. Conclusion: All the men believed the woman's faith caused Jesus to forgive her sins, save her, and send her home at peace with God. I believe this is the case also. However, as you know, this was done under the Old Covenant, just as others during the earthly ministry of Jesus. Let me state how this is possible under the New Covenant. As I conclude,
E. How many today/tonight? Will you leave this place enjoying the blessings of Jesus’ love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness? I pray you will respond in faith and obedience to the gospel at the end of God's call to repentance and baptism. Recall I mentioned a woman named Maggie earlier in the lesson. Well, it's time to discuss her faith in the Lord as I begin to close this lesson.
NOTE: Maggie was an older negro woman who visited a tent meeting with some prominent women friends. Marshall Keeble was preaching under it near a river in Madison, TN. She stepped out and went down to confess Christ. She asked Keeble if she could go home before being baptized (Maggie had something precious in her "hope chest") she wanted to bring to the Lord.
1. Keeble readily obliged. After a short time, she returned to the tent wearing a wedding dress. Her friends urged her not to get into the river in that pretty dress.
2. She ignored them and assumed her place in front of the tent with Keeble. He asked her: “Did she believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God; she said: Yes, I do!”
3. Then she asked brother Keeble while weeping, if she could say something. Again, he obliged.
4. Maggie turned to the audience with tears and said: “72 years ago, I married my husband in this dress, and tonight: I’m going to marry a better man than him.” She was immediately baptized into Christ. Maggie and her dress were both fine! Praise God for such a faith as Maggie.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. She Came to Him Reviled
2. She Bore Her Remorse
3. She Left Him Restored
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered how she came to Jesus being reviled and scorned by Simon, a Pharisee, and his guest, who had invited Him to dinner: "That He might eat with him." We do not know how she learned that the Lord was dining at the Pharisee's house, but she made her way there: appearing unannounced at the house of Simon. Chatter between the Pharisee and his guest indicated she was a sinner, a woman of the city. Luke wrote: she was "a woman of the city." Many commentaries describe her as a harlot, but I am not sure that is the case. The Pharisees had nothing to do with "publicans and sinners." And would stay away from them at all costs. Simon, however, did not ask his servants to remove her. I suspect it because she went immediately to Jesus’ feet and began to wash them. While Simon and the other guest looked on, expressing disfavor for the woman and questioning Jesus as being a prophet.
2. Second, we discussed how she bore sincere remorse for her sins. Luke wrote: "She washed his feet with her tears and dried them with the hairs of her head." She wept uncontrollably, kissing His feet and anointing them with the fragrant oil she brought for that very reason. Jesus is moved with compassion for her and tells the host a parable of two debtors. When He concluded, he compared her acts of love to the Pharisees. After asking him: "If both debtors, one owing 500 pence and the other 50 pence, were forgiven of their entire debt." He asked Simon, "which would love their master the most?" He replied: “I suppose the one forgiven them most.” Jesus said: “You have answered correctly.” He then begins applying His parable unto the Pharisee and his guest.
3. Lastly, we investigated how she left the presence of the Lord restored, reclaimed: being forgiven of her sins and saved by her faith: due to her great love for Jesus. Luke wrote: "And Jesus said unto Simon, do you see this woman? I came into your house, but you gave me no water to wash my feet, but she has "bedew them" or washed them with her tears and dried them with the hair of her head; Simon, you did not greet me with a kiss, but this woman has ceased not to kiss them since she came into your house; and Simon, you gave me no oil for my head, but she has anointed my feet with an oil of a lively aromatic fragrant. Therefore, once forgiven, I say unto you, her many sins: "she will love me more.” Then He said unto the woman, “thy sins are forgiven thee, thy faith hath saved thee, go, in peace.” And those at dinner said: “who is this that also forgiveth sins.” This woman came refused by all but left reclaimed and forgiven by the Son of man, who had “power to forgive sins while on the earth; and power to forgive sins being in heaven sitting on His throne as our “great high priest,” Hebrews 4:14-16.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.
D. Exhortation. Let it not be said of us: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Commendations.
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References.
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
The Englishman's Greek New Testament; giving the Greek text of Stephens, 1550, together with an interlinear literal translation and the Authorized version of 1611
https://archive.org/details/englishmansgreek00estiuoft/page/266/mode/2up
(Click on this link, or copy and paste it into your browser). It will open to the Internet Archive, where you may view this Interlinear).
5. A Reader’s Greek New Testament, 2nd Edition, by Richard J. Goodrich and Albert L. Lukaszewski, The Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI 49350, Copyright 2003, 2007.
6. Greek and English Interlinear New Testament (NASB/NIV), 2nd Edition, by William D. Mounce and Robert H. Mounce, The Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Copyright 2008, 2011.
7. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
8. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
9. The Society of Biblical Literature, The Luce Center, 825 Huston Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, Copyright 2022. Claudia Setzer, "The Syrophoenician Woman," n.p., [October 1st, 2022].
Online: https://www.bibleodyssey.org:443/en/people/related-articles/syrophoenician-woman
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