Your Faith Has Saved You

Luke 7:36-50

Key Verse 7:50

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?

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)? 

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? 

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? 

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)

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? 

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

---