Your Faith Has Saved You

Luke 7:36-50

Key Verse 7:50

In this passage Jesus kind of "honored" the good will of the Pharisee inviting Jesus to his private residence, so as the opportunity presented itself, Jesus taught him the way of salvation. Thus, consider this passage as the message of the way of salvation, that is, salvation by faith in God's sin-forgiving love in and through Jesus Christ, the prince of peace.

1. Verse 36 says that one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a dinner fellowship. In Jesus' day, the Pharisees were opposed to Jesus and his ministry (Luke 5:17,21,30,33; 6:2,7,30) and Jesus knew this. Yet, Jesus accepted the invitation extended to him by a man belonging to the opposing group. Why do you think Jesus accepted the invitation? What can we learn from Jesus?

** Probably Jesus saw in him the desire to know Jesus "better", so that Jesus honored this man's invitation in the hope of teaching him the way of salvation.

** We must not lose any opportunity to save all kinds of "blind" sinners who are in the dark. In order to do this, we need to set aside our personal emotions or feelings. We must regard ourselves as God's servants called to share the good news of God's kingdom, so that we would be in service of this mission even when there is a slightest possible chance to get the message across to all different kinds of sinners. 

2. Think about the woman described in verses 37 and 38. In what respect was her visit surprising? (36,39) What do the Scriptures say about: 1) the use of perfume? (Ruth 3:3; Pro 27:9; SS 1:3,12; 4:10); 2) the feet of a man who preaches the good news (Isaiah 52:7; Rom 10:15); 3) a woman's hair (1Co 11:15); and 4) a [holy] kiss (SS 1:2; Romans 16:16; 1Pe 5:14)?  

** In many ways it was surprising. For example, 1) in those days, they (particularly the male population) did not associate themselves with women in public; 2) the Pharisees (which means "the ones who are separated [from sinners]" did not associate with sinners; 3) perhaps the woman also knew these practices; 4) you are not supposed to disturb anyone's eating fellowship with such drastic acts as the woman did; and 5) she was NOT invited. 

** 1) Perfume was used to 'beautify' oneself (as in the case of Ruth), indicating that the woman in the passage used it to "beautify" Jesus.

2) It was used to express one's "love" to someone special, indicating that she found Jesus as the Prince Charming worthy of her whole hearted devotion. 

** The feet that are used to preach the gospel are called "beautiful", although they are usually dusty and smelly. 

** A sign of her glory and beauty.

** It is the expression of love, which unites the two to become one in spirit in the Lord. 

3. Verses 37 and 38 indicate that Jesus gave the woman the time to express herself to her heart's content. In what respect was it difficult for Jesus to do so? What can we learn from Jesus in serving the flock of God?

** It was mealtime, so it must have disturbed Jesus' appetite; in addition, Jesus could have felt sorry for his host, because it was Jesus who attracted the woman who burst into the house, even when Simon did not invite her. 

** Jesus serves each person one at a time. He always allows us to express ourselves fully to him. Jesus is not self-centered; rather he is fully sheep-centered. He is the one who fully understands each of us. 

4. Think about what the Pharisee said to himself in verse 39. What does his self-dialogue tell us about: 1) his understanding of Jesus; 2) his opinion of himself; and 3) his attitude toward the woman?  

** He did not know Jesus as the Savior of the world; he was not even sure of whether or not Jesus is a true prophet.

** He thought that he was a "better" person than the woman.

** He looked down on her. 

5. Think about Jesus' illustration in verses 40-49. Whom do you think Jesus had in mind when he spoke of a moneylender (v41)? What does the expression, "Neither of them had the money to pay him back" suggest about the condition of Simon before God? Does this illustration suggest in any way that Simon is a "better" person (before God) than the woman? (Romans 3:12; Matthew 3:7)

** God the Father who sent him.

** He is a helpless sinner, who is not capable of saving himself from the power of sin and death, on his own.

** No. From a human standpoint, you may say, "Oh, I am better than the other guy" but from a God's standpoint, all sinners are the same in that without God's grace they are to be shut out of God's presence and subject to second death. 

6. What does Jesus’ illustration teach us about: 1) Jesus; 2) the way we should see ourselves before God; and 3) the way to relate ourselves to "sinners" like the woman? 

 

** Jesus has the authority to forgive men of their sins. 

** A sinner who is not capable of saving oneself from the power of sin and death on his own. 

** Each time we see others sinning, we must remember that we are no better sinners than they, so that while we ourselves must ward ourselves from the life of sinning, we must pray for  ourselves and for others, that through God's help, we would gently lead them out of the sinful way of life to the way of righteousness. 

Read: Phi 2:3; Gal 6:1; Matthew 18:15; Rom 15:1; James 5:20; 1Jn 5:6; Jude 1:2,3

7. Memorize verse 50. What does this passage teach us about: 1) the way of salvation; and 2) (one of) the fruits of salvation?  

** Faith in Jesus (his work, his love and power)

** peace

The end

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