Thesis: To teach the hearer about the motivational power of love, which by-passes all.
Text: Luke 7:47 (36-50)
Luk 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
Introduction,
In this section of Scripture we see a different sort of account; the Lord was invited to eat with the Simon the Pharisee.
A woman, who was a known sinner, appears and begins weeping at the feet of Jesus, thus wetting His
feet and wiping her tears off of Him with her hair, she then poured ointment upon His feet.
Simon was appalled at the situation, and said to himself, “this one who claimed to be a prophet would certainly know how terrible of a woman this was, that was touching Him.”
Jesus, knowing the thoughts of a man (John 2:25), used this opportunity to teach Simon the error of his ways.
He spake to him a parable which shadowed the present event, and asked him to respond to it.
He did and correctly so, Then Jesus applies the parable to the ongoing situation.
And then the Word that was God, Who became flesh, Immanuel, God with us, while He was on earth, forgave the sins of the woman based upon her faith.
In this lesson we will look closer at this account and see how it parallels much of that which we see about us today, concerning individuals and their spiritual states, and how love rightly and wrongly works for or against them, therefore we will look at . . .
1) The response of love (v 36-39).
2) The reciprocation of love (v 40-46).
3) The rewards of love (v 47-50).
I. THE RESPONSE OF LOVE (Lk 7:36-39)
A. (v 36)
Luk 7:36 One of the Pharisees asked him (Jesus) to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
In this verse the Lord is invited to eat with Simon the Pharisee, the Pharisees were the strictest sect of Judaism, Paul was a former Pharisee, this sect began sometime during the captivities, the main problem with this sect is the 1,000 traditions they added to God’s law, and the fact that they looked for the praise of men, more than the praise of God, there had been much added to the church today by man attempting to help God, 1 Cor 4:6; 2 Cor 11:3 teaches us that this probably is not something that is pleasing unto Him, also if Christian teachers and preachers were looking more for God’s praise than men’s, we would not be in the situation we are today with the various bodies being apostate concerning baby killing, sodomy, lesbianism, divorce/remarriage, general sexual immorality, the love of money and the pride of life (2 Pet 3:16; 1 Cor 4:6; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Cor 10:31).
2Pe 3:16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
1Co 4:6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest perhaps as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity (and the purity; ASV) that is in Christ. (EMTV)
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1. This is believed to have taken place in the 2nd yr of Jesus’ earthly ministry, later on this would not likely have taken place, for by that time they purposed to have Him killed (John 11:53).
2. Why the Pharisee initiated this get together is a matter of speculation . . .
a. Perhaps he was curious about Jesus, hearing about His teachings, and the miracles, that he thought Him possibly to be “the Prophet” spoken of by Moses in Deut 18.
b. These things certainly were not done in secret, and if the reports concerning Jesus were true, then he needed to rethink his religious position, and change accordingly.
c. The kind of heart a person has, really shows forth, where the things of God are concerned, most religious sectarians are dogmatic, they have the truth, and that’s that!
d. They cannot even entertain the thought that perhaps they are wrong, even though the Bible teaches but one system of Faith (Eph 4:5), they of course are among the privileged to have stumbled upon it, seeing that they have spent so much of their lives studying the words of men telling them what the Bible means, instead of taking it at its face value as truth, and standing for it, at all costs, even if they have to stand alone.
e. The Pharisees and the Sadducees also had mindsets similar to this, yet they both were wrong in many points, we need to keep on asking, and seeking, and knocking our way towards God’s truth, as it is written (Luke 11:10) . . .
Luk 11:10 because everyone who keeps asking will receive, and the person who keeps searching will find, and the person who keeps knocking will have the door opened. (ISV; “ask, seek and find” here are all present active participles, they denote a continuing process)
f. I believe that the various Christian sects that we see around us today have some things correct and some things incorrect, the problem is to be part of one of these groups and be faithful you have to agree with them, and what if God puts it in your heart that a certain point is incorrect? What then? Well you have to move on so you don’t partake of their errors/evil works (2 Jn 11), because anything that is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23), that’s one reason why I believe the house church model is the best one to follow, there are not creeds to follow, either written or unwritten, just each one of our faiths being led by God through His word in conjunction with His Spirit, Who dwells within us who believe (Eph 1:13).
3. Our Lord accepts this invitation and goes to this Pharisees house and sat down to eat with him (this word translated “sat down” in some translations is “anaklino” it means “to lean against, to recline,” they didn’t have the custom of using chairs as we do, one would sit on the floor and lean with their side against a short table similar to our coffee table with their legs and feet extended away from the table).
4. If this were not the Christ and merely a Christian, many would be crying foul! You cannot associate with this false teacher, you cannot fellowship the works of darkness (Eph 5:11), those blind leaders of the blind (Mt 15:14), you cannot bid him Godspeed (2 John 11)!
a. Yet we know that our Lord is concerned about the souls of “all men,” when He knew that Jerusalem would be no more because of the stubborn Jews, He was terribly grieved, He stated (Mt 23:37) . . .
Mat 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
b. We also need to have the same mindset concerning religious leaders in our day, sure, it is likely that they will brush us aside, all those theologians cannot be wrong (even though they don’t agree)! No one could understand the Bible before the likes of Augustine and Calvin and Luther.
c. Yet, if they don’t hear, they can’t believe and obey, perhaps that light bulb will go off in their head (heart), perhaps they have had some doubts, and this may be the perfect time to run the truth by them, who knows? We need to simply speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), as unprofitable servants, doing that, which is only our duty to do (Luke 17:10).
B. (v 37)
Luk 7:37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
Here we see a woman, who is spoken of as a sinner, keep in mind that we are all sinners to some extent (Rom 3:23; 1 Jn 1:8), but we do not practice sin (which would make us a child of the devil not God; 1 Jn 3:4-10), instead we struggle against sin (Heb 12:4), within and without. Much speculation has been brought forth concerning who and what exactly she was, yet God's living and active word works upon the heart, without knowing the intricate details of every account, in other words, its not important, the teaching is clear.
1. This woman knew Jesus was reclining at the table partaking of a meal in the house of a Pharisee, but how?
a. It was a custom in that day, during meals, to leave the doors open, especially during the heat of the day, the streets were narrow and there were no sidewalks, and passers-by could and would enter in and converse, sometimes the poor would come and seek handouts.
b. Yet our account said that she “knew” (epiginosko; ASV; had a full knowledge) He was there, indicating sometime in the past. Perhaps the word spread, “Jesus was eating with a Pharisee! What does this mean?”
c. The point here is she knew Jesus was there, so she sought Him out!
2. The same could be said today, the Bible tells us exactly where Jesus is today.
a. He is at the right hand of God (the position of power) in Heaven (Acts 2:33), living in His people by faith (Eph 3:17).
b. Ruling over all things to His church (ekklesia; i.e. His called out ones), through the NT (Eph 1:22-23; John 17:8; 14; 20-21).
d. It tells us how to seek Him out, through the word, through faith (Jn 5:24),
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
e. Which is to result in love prompted obedience (Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:19; Jn 14:15; 2 Jn 6).
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in(to) him should not perish but have eternal life.
1Jn 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
d. Yet many in the world tells us this is not so, they say “it doesn’t mean that.”
e. They have twisted the word of God in such a way, that one needs a master’s degree in Greek to understand how it can possibly mean the things they say.
g. Yet the inspired Paul tells us when we read, we can understand (Eph 3:4),
Eph 3:4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
h. I believe God’s word (Rom 3:4).
Rom 3:4 . . . let God be found true, but every man a liar; . . .
C. (v 38)
Luk 7:38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
This woman is a wonderful example to all, she knew her spiritual condition, dead in her worldly pleasures (1 Tim 5:6), thus she was weeping, she was doing the duty of a servant (washing one’s feet) with the tools she had, her own tears and hair!
1. We also need to realize our condition,
a. We are sinners (Rom 3:23),
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
b. We are spiritually dead in this life without Christ (Rom 6:23; 1 Tim 5:6).
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death . . .
1Ti 5:6 . . . she who is living for pleasure is dead while she lives. (ISV)
c. We need to recognize and believe God’s descriptive statements concerning the lost after this life (torments, anguish, cast into the outer darkness, the lake of fire, weeping, gnashing of teeth, and so forth).
2. We need to come to God with our hearts torn open by His word, that sword of the Spirit (Jn 16:8; Eph 6:17), because we have been so terrible to Him, while He has been so good unto all (Acts 17:25b; Rom 5:8; Heb 2:9b).
Act 17:25b he himself gives to all mankind life, and breath, and everything;
Rom 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Heb 2:9b so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
a. We need to give ourselves also (Rom 12:1), and all we do as service unto the Most High (1 Pet 1:15), all the time remembering His great love, in view of our past actions (Luke 17:10).
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. (ASV)
1Pe 1:15 But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life. (GW)
Luk 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
b. Having the hope to spend eternity, with Him Who cannot lie, and will make all things that are written, come to past (Tit 1:2).
Tit 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
c. Praising Him and serving Him for ever and ever in that one eternal Day in the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 22:3-5) wherein righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13).
D. (v 39) Now, let us take a look at Simon’s example . . .
Luk 7:39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a (the) prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner."
1. Not only does he not serve Christ, he doubts Him as being “the Prophet” of Deut 18, as some ancient manuscripts state concerning this verse (ASV margin).
a. Let us remember that the Jews believed, “the Prophet”, “the Christ (Messiah)” and “the suffering Servant” all to be different individuals, the point is . . .
b. He attempts to judge Jesus according to his hypocritical standards, God always has and always will have open arms to the penitent sinner, who recognizes their dependence upon God, and one’s need for the forgiveness, which only God can give (Ps 103:3; Rom 8:33).
2. Simon, like all that claim to be followers of Jehovah God, need to realize that God sent Christ to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), the sin is to be hated (Heb 1:9), abhorred (Jude 23), but the person is to be loved (John 3:16), as a precious soul, one for which Christ died (1 Cor 8:11).
a. And we must associate with sinners who are earnestly seeking out the truth, in order that they may hear, believe, obey, and enter into the process of being saved (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15).
b. Yet let us also note that we do not have any records in the NT of Christ, nor the apostles, nor any Christians frequenting places such as pagan temples, houses of prostitution, opium dens, saloons, or any other sin promoting establishment of that day stating that they are evangelizing the lost.
c. Most those that we see in sin, are in, or near, the stage of repentance, and are openly accepting the teachings given them, those that did not, were shook off one’s feet, as dust (Acts 13:51).
d. We seek the lost by living and speaking the truth within the spheres of our God-given lives, by getting God’s word to those who are seeking, knocking, and asking, not to those who consider themselves to be their own god, and could care less about God's will for themselves, as the Lord said (Mt 7:6) . . .
Mat 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
f. Yet, if we see a crack, any opening, let us plant the seed of the kingdom, which is the word of God (Luke 8:11), and pray that something comes up, a “response of love” (Jn 14:15; 2 Jn 1:6) i.e. repentance and the fruits thereof.
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
II. THE RECIPROCATION OF LOVE (Lk 7:40-46)
A. (v 40)
Luk 7:40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher."
Keep in mind Simon said nothing directly to Jesus, but the Lord knowing the thoughts of a man (John 2:25), proceeds to “teach” Simon of his error by way of the parable.
1. We need to keep in mind that Christianity is a “taught” religion, initially (Mt 28:19; John 6:45),
Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples (learners) of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Joh 6:45 It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—
a. It is to be taught initially and continually (1 Cor 15:3-4; 20-23; Mt 28:20a; 1 Cor 14:26; Tit 2:11-12a; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18a)
1Co 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Co 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Co 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1Co 15:21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
Mat 28:20a teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you:
1Co 14:26b Let all things be done unto edifying.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Tit 2:12a instructing us . . .
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
2Pe 3:18a But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
b. Let us be taught by the Lord . . .
B. (v 41-42)
Luk 7:41 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luk 7:42 When they could not pay, he cancelled (forgave) the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Now the Lord brings Simon into the lesson, by posing a question to him, from it.
C. (v 43)
Luk 7:43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled (forgave) the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."
Christ affirms his answer concerning the matter
1. We see this happen time and again concerning parabolic teaching . . .
a. A certain scenario is given,
b. The hearer is unknowingly taught about his own shortcomings.
c. Then the hearer is brought into his own story,
d. Then the teacher all but names him, in order that he may see the error of his ways.
e. The hearer then sees himself from a different perspective, and realizes the truth about himself, and turns from it, those that do not, fit into Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa 6:9-10) which states that the peoples hearts are hardened, thus they have shut their own ears and eyes to the truth, God in this manner allows them to be blinded to the truth by Satan (2 Cor 4:4).
f. Evidently Simon’s eyes, ears, and heart are closed, thus the Lord takes the more direct approach . . .
D. (v 44-46)
Luk 7:44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Luk 7:45 You gave me no kiss (the greeting of the day), but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luk 7:46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
(Look at this contrast)
1. The one, a host, to the Christ of God, and a supposedly God fearing man, who didn’t even treat Him with the respect due any average individual, with the common courtesies of that day.
a. He was self righteous, he thought he was OK with God, he felt no urgency nor deep love which would manifest itself outwardly, to the lost, nor to “the Prophet”
2. Now the other, a stranger, a sinner off the street, one who formerly sought not the Lord, but walked openly in sin, now realizes her condition and comes into the presence of Christ, and serves him, doing that which was a servants task, with that which she had, with no thought of pride or self esteem, but rather in humility, in this manner she showed great love for Him.
a. We also need to know where we stand in comparison to the Most Holy and High God
b. As did Isaiah when he had a vision of being in God’s presence (Isa 6:5).
Isa 6:5 . . . Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips . . .
c. And also as did Peter when he realized Who Jesus really was (Luke 5:8).
Luk 5:8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
d. We need to remember . . . (Ps 100:3; Col 1:16; Eccl 12:13).
Psa 100:3 . . . that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that has made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Col 1:16 . . . all things were created by him, and for him:
Ecc 12:13 . . . fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole of man.
3. We must approach God carefully (Heb 12:29) . . .
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
4. Humbly, begging for the salvation which He so freely offers (Ja 4:10),
Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
a. Not doings things our way, but according to “the Way” according to the will of our all knowing, all powerful, all present, all loving God, whose word stands like a rock, that will never move, this, we can count on (1 Pet 1:24-25; John 10:35b).
1Pe 1:24 For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls:
1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord abides forever. . .
Joh 10:35b (and the scripture cannot be broken),
b. Those that believe that God’s word will be of none effect or will change for them when they come before the judgment seat of Christ, haven’t listened to His teaching concerning such (Mt 7:21-23).
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom from heaven, but only the person who keeps doing the will of my Father in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, drove out demons in your name, and performed many miracles in your name, didn't we?'
Mat 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who practice evil!'"
(lawlessness; NASB; ISV)
4. This woman heard, she came to Christ, she knew was lost, she knew her life was but a vapor, and in the hands of the Almighty, she knew that only Jesus could give her what she needed, forgiveness and hope, and she actively approached Him in sincere repentance, with an outward demonstration of her faith in Him, in this manner she showed her great love for Him.
a. We also must hear and come, thirst and drink, by our love prompted obedience (faith working through love; Gal 5:6) through the gospel of Christ (Rev 22:16-17).
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires (wills) take the water of life without price (freely).
b. God showed His great love for us (John 3:16).
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in(to) him should not perish but have eternal life.
c. Learning of this greatest of love (John 15:13), which is an essential part of the gospel (1 Cor 15:3) in the Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed scriptures, is how the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (Eph 1:13; Rom 5:5), and He expects the same in return (1 John 4:19).
1Jo 4:19 We love, because he first loved us.
d. He states (John 14:15) . . .
Joh 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
e. This is the “reciprocation of love.” (2 Jn 1:4-6)
2Jn 1:4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
2Jn 1:5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
f. This is how we manifest it.
III. THE REWARDS OF LOVE (Lk 7:47-50)
A. (v 47)
Luk 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
Those that are made more aware of their sins because of their open and obvious nature, are often more thankful unto God, that in His kindness, His favor, His mercy, His love, He has extended salvation unto them.
1. They could hardly believe that they are worthy, and the truth is, they aren’t, no one is (Rom 3:23
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
a. Yet (Jn 3:16) . . .
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in(to) him should not perish but have eternal life.
b. This is purposed to bring about an undying love for God in one’s heart (Rom 5:5b-8)
Rom 5:5b because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
Rom 5:8 but God shows his (own) love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
c. Which is purposed to lead us to godly actions (Lk 12:33; 14:33).
Luk 12:33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Luk 14:33 So therefore whosoever he is of you who does not renounce not all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.
d. For the truth is everything is God’s, it just took the gospel for us to realize this (Ps 24:1)
Psa 24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
e. These are such that will remain faithful through thick and thin, they will strive in that difficult way, endure even unto physical death if necessary, in order to inherit eternal life.
f. Why? Because they love God with all their heart, all their soul, all their mind, and all their strength (Luke 10:27), and others, even their enemies, they love as Jesus loves, as commanded (John15:12).
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
g. These are the friends of God (Ja 2:23), they will, they must, strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, from the heart, no matter who, what, where, or why!
h. These, who do such, can look forward to being in the presence of God, forever and ever (Rev 2:10b; 2 Tim 4:8; Rev 22:1-5).
Rev 2:10b Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Paul wrote) . . .
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Rev 22:2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
2. On the flip side we see those who believe they live righteous, moral lives, yet they, like all, are sinners (Rom 3:23), not because they were born that way, but because they became accountable, loved and mimicked the world around them, and sinned (Rom 5:12).
a. These may have initially obeyed the gospel, they want to be saved, but they are not quite so desperate.
b. These do not feel like they really needed God quite so much, for they did good works even before they obeyed the gospel.
c. These are those that will attempt to “just get by.”
d. These are those from whom one may hear, “are you trying to bind something on me?”
e. These are those who oftentimes are only hearers of the word, deceiving their own selves (Ja 1:22).
f. These might be the tares, that think they are saved, yet on the Last Day, they will be cast in the furnace of fire (Mt 13:42).
g. These are one talent people, who will be cast into the outer darkness (Mt 25:30).
h. Why? Because they “love little” thus they “reciprocate little”, thus their “reward is little” in fact it might be, “none” (John 14:24; 1 Cor 16:22)
Joh 14:24 He that loves me not keeps not my words: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me.
1Co 16:22 If any man loves not the Lord, let him be anathema (accursed) . . .
anathema
Thayer Definition:
2) a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction (annihilation)
B. (v 48)
Luk 7:48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
1. Now the woman learns that she is forgiven, Christ could and did forgive sins while He was on earth; here; the palsied man (Luke 5:24); and perhaps the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43).
2. This proves that Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh, and not a creature, for it is God alone that forgives sin (Ps 103:3; Lk 5:21).
Psa 103:3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
3. What relief she must have felt, along with the others, especially the thief on the cross.
a. We could conclude that this woman though she was once a grievous sinner, she probably would remain faithful through trying circumstances, even though it was very hard to follow Christ in those days, many times it cost you your lives.
b. Yet any one that has been a faithful Christian any amount of time in these days can also look forward to much trouble for (“All that live godly lives in Christ Jesus shall (and do) suffer persecution” 2 Tim 3:12),
4. You ought to believe and obey what God said in His word, manifest faith working through love, you should contend for that one Faith, believe in the gospel plan of salvation, not partake of unscriptural religious undertakings, looking for authority from your King Jesus in whatsoever you do in word or in deed (Col 3:17).
a. Or you can choose to be like every one else (Mt 7:13b-14; Luke 13:23-24).
Mat 7:13 " . . .For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Luk 13:23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are (being; NASB) saved? And he said unto them,
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
C. (v 49)
Luk 7:49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"
Here we learn that more than just Jesus, Simon, and the woman were present, these other individuals seem to have a heart like Simon’s, they may have not seen a miracle at this time, but being in the 2nd yr of Christ’s ministry, they certainly should have heard of the miracles that confirmed Him to be God’s Son, yet they were cynical, hypocritical, and unbelieving, when Christ says something, it is the truth (John 17:17).
1. Today we see many things in the Bible to which people state “it don’t mean that” from baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to all second marriages are adulterous while one’s spouse is living (Mk 10:11-12; Lk 16:18), and even that active sodomites shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10)
a. If we learn and obey the principles God teaches this won’t happen (Jn 17:17; 1 Cor 4:6; Col 3:17),
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
1Co 4:6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
b. Even though we have account after account in the OT and NT in which our unchanging God (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17) meant exactly that which He said, and any deviation therefrom was not pleasing to Him, and oftentimes was punished (Lev 10:1-2; 1 Cor 11:29-30).
c. Now it is true that we are not under law but grace (Rom 6:14), but law is still there (Rom 8:2; 1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2; Ja 1:25), and God wants us to love and embrace His law, have it written upon our very hearts (Heb 8:10), because the flip side is not too good, therefore we need to trust God at His all sufficient word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3), instead of believing the teachings of men (Pro 14:12; Jer 10:23), believe it, and obey it, from the heart, in other words, motivated by the love of God (2 John 6).
2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
D. (v 50)
Luk 7:50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
A. Her faith saved her, what exactly did her faith consist of in this text?
1. She somehow learned about Jesus
2. She sought Jesus out.
2. She was convicted of her sinful state.
3. She washed Christ’s feet with her tears.
4. She dried His feet with her hair.
5. She anointed His feet
6. In doing this she humbled, lowered herself in the sight of the Lord.
7. So did her faith consist of mental assent only?
8. Of course not, faith apart from works is dead (Ja 2:17, 24, 26), always has been, always will be!
9. When we look at the hall of faith in Hebrews chapter 11 we cannot find one example to the contrary, Biblical faith has always been that which demonstrates itself in obedience unto God.
10. God has promised to save the obedient, through their active faith (Heb 5:9; Mt 7:21; Rom 6:17), this is referred to as the “obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:26), demons believe “only” and tremble (Ja 2:19), if we plan on believing “only” we ought to be trembling also, for we will likely end up in the same place as they (Mt 8:29).
Mat 8:29 And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"
B. Jesus told her to “go in peace”.
1. Man makes himself an enemy of God because of sin (Rom 5:10).
2. Those that love the world, that fellowship the world, are also the enemies of God (Ja 4:4).
3. Christ came and died in order that humanity might be reconciled back to God (2 Cor 5:18),
4. When this takes place there is a settling of one’s soul, a peace of knowing that one is right with God, a peace that is beyond the comprehension of those that don’t possess it (Phili 4:7) . . .
Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
5. This is available only “in Christ” through the Prince of peace, and His gospel.
6. And being saved is not something you feel inside of you, but rather it is an assurance based upon your actions in view of the word of God, the apostle John wrote (1 John 5:13) . . .
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that you may know that you have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.
7. The New Covenant is that unchanging standard by which we will be judged lost or saved (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12), therefore it should be that standard by which we live, the Lord stated (John 6:63). . .
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.
8. Let us choose life.
Conclusion; Thus in today’s lesson we looked at . . .
1) THE RESPONSE OF LOVE (v 36-39), if we love God, we ought to seek out the Lord, His will, His way, humbly and of a poor and contrite spirit.
2) THE RECIPROCATION OF LOVE (v 40-46), God loves every individual ever born, He gave His Son, in order that we would see His love and return it back to Him over and over and over again.
3) THE REWARDS OF LOVE (v 47-50), if we truly love God, we shall do His will, to the best of our God given abilities, and because of God, because of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit we can count on eternal life, no tears, no pain, no death, in the heavenly places where there are things unspeakable, and rewards beyond our finite comprehension.
4) And how does one attain such a lofty reward? Again humbly, lowly in spirit, loving much, unto the obedience of the faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26).
5) There was a plan revealed in the 1st century, it will stand till the end of time, let no one delude you concerning such
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus is the Divine Christ (John 1:1; 8:24; Col 2:9; Heb 1:8); Who died for our sins, Who was raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-4), Who ascended into heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:51; Acts 1:9), Who is our Forerunner (1 Cor 15:23; Heb 6:20), our Living Hope (1 Pet 1:3-4); “Belief” (faith) is the crossover point (Jn 5:24) wherein one enters into the process of being saved (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), but we need to continue to abide in Jesus’ word to be made free, therefore . . .
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30), repentance is a change of mind that results in a changed life, determining to leave that yoke of sin and the false teachings of men behind.
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9).
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
One is to . . .
Be Baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) unto (for) the remission of
Sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16); where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34); baptism is the point wherein one is to determine to be dead to sin and alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11)
One is to . . .
And live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15) , determined to follow God’s divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our love of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, and proving it by keeping His commandments, again, the Lord clearly stated (John 14:15) . . .
Joh 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
The question is do you love Him little . . . , or much?