Outline.
1. The Pharisee’s Feast
2. The Savior’s Feet
3. The Sinner’s Forgiveness
Remarks.
1. In our text Jesus was invited into a Pharisee’s house to dine. Jesus kept company with all kind of people. Some of nobility and others the Pharisees call sinners. Simon was going to be shown, just how little he loved the Lord. It was customary for those of prominence to recline during the meal. The text indicates such is the case.
2. First we will notice Jesus’ visit to a Pharisee’s house for a feast. While reclining during the meal, a woman appeared at the Pharisee’s house with an alabaster box of ointment and stood behind the feet of Jesus, where she began to wash his feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. The Pharisees found fault in Jesus’ for allowing her to touch him – seeing the Pharisees separated themselves from sinners. Our Lord’s purpose of coming into the world was “to seek and save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. This woman was the reason for the Lord’s suffering, death, burial and resurrection. The Pharisees on the other hand, “separated themselves from sinners.”
3. Second, we will consider a woman’s humility at our Lord’s feet. The Saviour recognized the problem and spoke to the Pharisees in a story involving two debtors. In this story he was setting the stage for what would happen later – that is; his forgiveness of this woman’s sins. The conclusion of his story to them was that “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 and His disciples were often criticized for “eating and drinking with publicans and sinners,” Matthew 9:11.
4. Lastly, we will discuss the woman’s forgiveness at the savior’s feet. When Jesus had obtained the response he desired from Simon to his question, he directed his compassion and forgiveness to the woman. He said to her: “thy sins are forgiven” – and – “thy faith hath saved thee – go in peace.” How welcoming these words must have been to her! Our Lord’s entire work while with us on the earth was one of love and compassion. Mark describes His ministry as this: “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things,” Mark 6:34. Jesus would become our great shepherd; who we willingly followed, John 10:11; John 10:27.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE PHARISEES’ FEAST
A. Simon was a Pharisee – one who felt righteous and justified before God. These religious leaders would not keep company with “sinners.” And would scorn anyone else who would involved themselves with those – they deemed unworthy of God’s grace and mercy. Simon was not aware he too was a sinner; and one of the worst kinds. A hypocrite, Matthew 7:1-5; Matthew 23:13-15, Matthew 23:33; Romans 3:23. Illustrate: Hypocrite or Masked.
B. Simon invited Jesus to eat at his house. An invitation He readily accepted. He would find this as an opportunity to teach a powerful lesson on love and forgiveness to the Pharisee. Our Lord will use this visit to demonstrate a compelling example of true righteousness. This same author would write of the Lord, “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” Acts 1:1. There is nothing more instructive than a good example! Notice Paul:
1. First, he writes, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 11:1.
2. Further, “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me,” 1 Corinthians 4:16.
3. Finally, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample,” Philippians 3:17.
4. Leaders, ministers and members should always be “good examples” of what they preach, teach and believe.
C. The Pharisee was told that he was a poor host. He did not provide water for Jesus to wash his feet nor a towel to dry them. This was customary in the first century. The traveler’s worn sandals and their feet would become dirty and would be washed after entering into the guest’s house. Notice:
1. Abraham offered the angels water to wash their feet. “Let a little water I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,” Genesis 18:4.
2. The first century widows not only “lodged strangers, but washed the saint’s feet,” 1 Timothy 5:10.
3. Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, John 13:1ff. Illustrate: Feet wetting rather than feet washing. Some religious people want to enjoin feet washing with the communion service because Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. No example of such a command in the New Testament, Illustrate: Upon the First Day of the Week, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7. What these religious groups practice today is feet “wet ‘in – and not feet wash ‘in.”
D. The Pharisee began to reason in his heart – “if this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.” The Pharisees had nothing to do with sinners. The Lord and His disciples were criticized for “eating and drinking with publicans and sinners,” Matthew 9:11. Notice:
1. First, Mark wrote: “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinner, they said unto His disciples, how is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?” See Mark 2:16.
2. Further, Luke states: “But the scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?” See Luke 5:30. Luke again, “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them,” Luke 15:1-2.
3. Finally, “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” See Luke 7:33-34.
4. Illustrate: Zacchaeus’ house. Luke 19:1-10. “And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:9-10. There is room in the Lord’s house for all, publicans, sinners, scribes and Pharisees!
E. Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, “I have somewhat to say of thee. And he saith, Master, say on." The story of two debtors: 500 pence, and the other fifty. If he forgave them both all their debts. Who would love him most? Notice:
1. The Pharisee said: “I suppose, he to whom he forgave most.” Simon would be instructed in this story that this woman – though sinner with tremendous guilt and sorrow had committed many sins – but would love the Lord graciously for his compassion and forgiveness. Because she was forgiven much – she would love him more. Simon who is picture as being forgiven little – in the same fashion would love him little.
2. Jesus said: “Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to who little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven,” Luke 7:47-48. Our Lord was stating that they which are forgiven much will love Him the most!
3. Paul considered himself a debtor to the world, Romans 1:14-17. He calls himself “the chief of sinners,” 1 Timothy 1:15. There is no doubt that Christ forgave this man a whole lot because of his sins.
4. Conclusion, therefore, he who has been forgiven most will love the Lord the most. I’ve often wondered why some Christians are not faithful and forgiving unto others. I believe this is being addressed in this message by Jesus unto the scribes and the Pharisees. These saints do not feel a real debt unto Christ for His forgiveness for their sins. They “love little because they feel they were forgiven little.” They are self-righteous! Notice: “And he (Jesus) spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others,” Luke 18:9-14. Illustrate: The Prayer of the Pharisee and the Publican.
II THE SAVIOUR’S FEET
A. What a tender and compelling scene this would be for anyone who knows the sorrow and shame for the sins she no doubt was guilty of – as she stands in the presence of the Son of God – the savior of the world. She did not approach his head – but rather his feet. Fearing no doubt the same scorn from Him as she had felt with many Pharisees? But, our Lord was moved with compassion for this woman, and granted her forgiveness and peace. Women like this one was used by the Pharisees on several occasions to entrap Jesus only to find them leaving His presence guilty and exposed, John 8:1ff.
B. While at his feet – she began to weep and with her tears she washed Jesus’ feet. And then began to dry them, with her hair. While the Pharisee’s see this contact as something no righteous man (scribes and other religious leaders) would allow or be a part of – allowing sinners to touch them. The Lord however, was touched by her act of faith, and tremendous sorrow for her sins. Remember the words of Simon – "if he were a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him,” Luke 7:39. Let’s be clear, Jesus was a prophet; the one spoken of by Moses. Notice:
1. First, Peter says: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people,” Acts 3:21-22. See also Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 7:37.
2. Further, Jesus entrance into Jerusalem, the multitude, said: “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee,” Matthew 21:11. Also, “And he said unto them, what things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,” Luke 24:19. The woman at the well declared that Jesus was a prophet, John 4:19.
3. Finally, the miracle of Jesus. “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, this is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world,” John 6:14.
C. The feet of Jesus – many have found their salvation and peace there. This woman would find forgiveness and peace. She kissed them, washed them and anointed them, Luke 7:44. Notice:
1. There was healing at his feet. Jesus found a man which had devils for a long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. Jesus healed him by commanding the unclean spirit to come out of him. “The people then went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid,” Luke 8:35.
2. There’s teaching at the feet of Jesus. Mary “sat at Jesus feet, and heard his words,” Luke 10:39. She too anointed the Lord’s feet 6 days before the Passover, John 12:1-3.
3. Angels found their place at Jesus’ feet. Mary saw two angels in the sepulcher “one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain,” John 20:12.
4. There is healing, learning and forgiveness at the “feet of Jesus.” If you can find your place there; you too can experience his forgiveness, healing, comfort and peace.
D. If we are to learn his word, feel his compassion, receive his forgiveness and experienced his love - we must all find our place at His feet. This woman came to Jesus with much shame, sorrow and guilt. But left his presence saved and at peace. Because of her faith and love for Jesus. No one should leave this house without healing, forgiveness and peace with God.
E. Beloved, God has placed all things under the feet of Jesus. Here Paul: Christ is raise, is reigning and is returning, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27. God has put “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all,” Ephesians 1:22-23. Illustrate: The Church and the Body.
III THE SINNER’S FORGIVENESS
A. Jesus was moved with compassion to forgive this woman of her sins. He says to Simon, "See thou this woman? I entered into 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 dist not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment," Luke 7:44-46.
B. Thy sins are forgiveness. “Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins which are many are forgiven; for she loved much; but to who little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Jesus seeing her faith, her love and sorrow for her sins – said unto her: “Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace,” Luke 7:47-50. That’s what we all want to hear from Jesus – “your faith hath saved thee – go in peace,” Luke 7:50.
C. The Pharisees’ question. Pharisees were saying to themselves “who is this that forgives sins?” See Luke 7:49. Jesus had the power to forgive sins. Notice:
1. First, Jesus: “When (He) saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven thee,” Mark 2:5-12. Illustrate: Son of Man has Authority to Forgive Sins.
2. Further, Jesus is not only the Son of Man; but also the Son of God, John 3:14-21.
3. To establish Christ’s deity, we will first consider the notion of worship. The Hebrew writer states: “Let the angels of God worship Him.” Notice:
a. First, let the angels worship Him: “For unto which of the angels said He (the Father) at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him,” Hebrews 1:5-6. Notice Psalms 2:7; Acts 13:33.
b. Next, the angels ministered unto Jesus. Note: “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him,” Matthew 4:11. But angels are not to be worship, Revelation 22:8-9.
c. Further, disciples worshipped Jesus: “And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen,” Luke 24:52-53.
d. Finally, only God deserves worship. Hear Jesus: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve,” Matthew 4:10. Our Lord is quoting Moses, “And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish,” Deuteronomy 8:19.
e. But, Thomas calls Jesus God: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God,” John 20:28. Therefore Jesus is God. He deserves our worship. And, has the authority to forgive sins, as the Son of God.
D. Jesus is the “alpha and omega” of the Old Testament. Notice:
1. First, Isaiah declares that Jehovah “is the first and the last.” Notice:
a. King and redeemer: “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any,” Isaiah 44:6-7.
b. I am He: “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he,” Isaiah 41:4. Also, “Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last,” Isaiah 48:12.
c. I am the Lord: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Saviour,” Isaiah 43:10-11.
2 Further, John the Apostles witness of Jesus: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,” Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 21:5-6; Revelation 22:12-13.
3. Next, Jesus declares of Himself: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death,” Revelation 1:17-20.
4. Finally, Jesus declares He is the “I AM” of the Old Testament. Notice:
a. Jehovah’s discussion with Moses at the burning bush, “And Moses said unto God, who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, certainly I will be with the; and there shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee, when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God upon the mountain. And Moses said unto God, behold, when, unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, the God of your fathers has sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, what is his name? What shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you,” Exodus 3:11-13.
b. In these verses, Jehovah said: “tell them (Pharaoh and Israel) that I AM, hath sent you.”
c. In John’s gospel, Jesus called himself the “I AM,” John 8:54-59.
d. Jesus said: “I and my Father are one,” John 10:27-30.
e. Jesus declares himself to be equal with God: “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal to God,” John 5:16-18; John 10:30-33. Illustrate: I and My Father are one.
5. Conclusion: Therefore, Jesus is Jehovah; the Lord our God and Savior; “the first and the last.” Many religious groups today; deny the deity of Jesus Christ! The bible however, declares Him to be not a son; but the Son of God, with all the divine attributes of God.
E. Paul's devotion. Now, I know why Paul was so devoted to the Lord. He like this woman demonstrated a greater love for Him – because much was forgiven.
1. As I prepared to close this lesson, hear how the chief of sinners – became the chief soul winner, 1 Timothy 1:12-16. Saul who sat a Gamaliel’s feet to learn about the law and the traditions of the fathers.
2. Later became Paul, who sat at Jesus’ feet to learn about grace and the gospel of Christ, Acts 22:3; John 1:17; Galatians 1:6-12.
3. The Pharisees learned how little they loved the Lord; the sinner – how much. Our question today – “how much do you really love the Lord?” Do you love Him enough to sit at his feet to learn of his love and compassion? Let me explain His goodness as I conclude.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Pharisee’s Feast
2. The Savior’s Feet
3. The Sinner’s Forgiveness
B. Remarks.
1. First, we noticed Jesus’ visit to a Pharisee’s house for a feast. While reclining during the meal, a woman appeared at the Pharisee’s house with an alabaster box of ointment and stood behind the feet of Jesus, where she began to wash his feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. The Pharisees found fault in Jesus’ for allowing her to touch him – seeing the Pharisees separated themselves from sinners. Our Lord’s purpose of coming into the world was “to seek and save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. This woman was the reason for the Lord’s suffering, death, burial and resurrection. The Pharisees on the other hand, “separated themselves from sinners.”
2. Second, we considered a woman’s humility at our Lord’s feet. The Saviour recognized the problem and spoke to the Pharisees in a story involving two debtors. In this story he was setting the stage for what would happen later – that is; his forgiveness of this woman’s sins. The conclusion of his story to them was that “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 and His disciples were often criticized for “eating and drinking with publicans and sinners,” Matthew 9:11.
3. Lastly, we discussed the woman’s forgiveness at the savior’s feet. When Jesus had obtained the response he desired from the Pharisees to his question he directed his compassion and forgiveness to the woman. He said to her: “thy sins are forgiven” – and – “thy faith hath saved thee – go in peace.” How welcoming these words must have been to her! Our Lord’s entire work while with us on the earth was one of love and compassion. Mark describes His ministry as this: “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things,” Mark 6:34.
C. Invitation. Extend heaven’s invitation. “All we like sheep have gone astray,” Isaiah 53:6.
D. Exhortation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God and the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you, and perhaps for those whom you love, whether they be family or friends.
