Example of the Highest Standard of Morality
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Verses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please read Luke 7:36-50
See notes at the end of lesson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Words of Ministry ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As a help in understanding the expression "in His human virtues with His divine attributes," let us use some cases in the Gospel of Luke as illustrations. In 7:36-50 a sinful woman came into the home of a Pharisee who had invited the Lord Jesus to eat with him. As we read the account of this incident, we see that Jesus, the Man-Savior, conducted Himself in His human virtues. He was not at all bothered by that sinful woman... If we had been the Lord Jesus, we probably would have been troubled by the behavior of this woman. We might have said to her, "Don’t you know that I am a guest in this house? Can’t you see that I am eating?" However, to act in that way would be to fail to act in the proper human virtues. In this situation the Man-Savior was very kind and patient, realizing that this woman had been convicted of her sins.
He was also merciful. To be merciful is to sympathize with others in their poor condition and low estate. In addition to exercising kindness, patience, and mercy toward the woman, the Lord Jesus also exercised His understanding. Furthermore, He was wise and loving.
Perhaps you are wondering what divine attributes are expressed in 7:36-50. First, here we have the divine forgiveness (7:47-48). God is the only one who can grant
forgiveness of sins. He alone is qualified to forgive sins. In 7:50 the Lord Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." The giving of peace is also a divine attribute. God is the only one who can give inner peace. In 7:36-50 we see the Man-Savior in the house of a Pharisee acting in His human virtues with His divine attributes. He could behave in such a manner because He was the God-man. Hence, He acted in the highest standard of morality, for His human virtues expressed His divine attributes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Prayer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am also like this sinful woman. I come to You to receive divine forgiveness and peace. Thank You for your mercy, kindness, understanding, and love in Your humanity. I give myself to You. Amen.
Luke 7:36-50
[36] And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
Luke 7:36
a [one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat] This event found only in Luke. Not the same as Mark 14:3-9.
[37] 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,
Luke 7:37
a [woman in the city, which was a sinner] Not Mary Magdalene, for this was in Nain (Luke 7:11-35), not Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. She was known in Nain as "a sinner" (Luke 7:39). Because Mary is mentioned in Luke 8:2 does not prove she is this woman of Nain. Neither is it proof that she was a harlot just because she was a sinner.
b [alabaster box] Made in and named for Alabastron, Egypt, where soft marble is found. Vessels were called alabastra that were also made from other materials. They were various shapes and sizes; the average held about a pint. See notes, §Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3.
c [ointment] See note, §Exodus 30:25.
[38] 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 7:38
a [feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears] Eastern people reclined on couches at meals with the feet outward behind them. She came behind Jesus and shed tears on His feet.
b [kissed his feet] This was a custom among the Jews, Greeks, and Romans. It was a mark of affection and reverence. It was practiced by supplicants in making an important request and by conquered people as a token of subjection and obedience.
c [anointed them with the ointment] This was the first of three anointings of Jesus—here and twice during the week of His death (Matthew 26:7-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:3-8).
[39] 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
a [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] Reasoned in his own mind and concluded that Christ did not know what kind of woman this was. Christ not only knew her by the Holy Spirit, but knew this man and his innermost thoughts, thereby meeting Simon’s personal proof as to what the Messiah should know (Luke 7:41-50).
[40] And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
Luke 7:40
a [answering said unto him] Answering what was in Simon’s mind without his expressing it.
b [Simon]
Nine Simon’s in Scripture
1. Simon Peter (Matthew 10:2)
2. Simon the Canaanite (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13)
3. Half brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3)
4. Simon of Nain (Luke 7:36-50)
5. A leper of Bethany (Matthew 26:6)
6. Father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2,26)
7. Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)
8. The sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24)
9. A tanner (Acts 9:43; Acts 10:6-32)
[41] There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:41
a [There was a certain creditor which had two debtors ...] Ninth parable in Luke (Luke 7:41-47), illustrating degrees of love to God. Next, §Luke 8:5.
b [creditor] A moneylender. This business was provided by the law, but regulated strictly to assure justice (Exodus 22:25-27; Leviticus 25:14-17,35-37; Deut. 23:19-20; Deut. 24:6-17). All debts were to be forgiven to brethren every seven years, but not to strangers (Exodus 21:2-6; Deut. 15:2-3). Christian lending is on a different basis (Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34).
c [five hundred pence] Greek: denarion, 65 cents; 500 would be $325.
d [fifty] $32.50.
[42] And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luke 7:42
a [which of them will love him most?] Question 45. Next, §Luke 7:44. This is the point illustrated by the parable (Luke 7:43-47).
[43] Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
[44] And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest 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.
Luke 7:44
a [Seest thou this woman?] Question 46. Next, §Luke 7:49. Christ now applied the story to Simon and the woman, calling Simon’s attention to the works of the woman, but the woman’s to His own love and grace (Luke 7:47-50).
b [thou gavest me no water for my feet] Simon, you did not show Me the common courtesy that is always customary with guests by washing My feet, but this woman has tried to make up for what you have failed to do. You did not greet Me with a kiss of welcome but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet (note, §Luke 7:38). You did not anoint My head to refresh Me after My long journey of over 21 miles and after My sermon and much work in healing the multitudes of all manner of diseases, but this woman has freely anointed Me with her expensive ointment.
c [but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head] Where the soil is dry and dusty and sandals are worn, frequent washing of feet is necessary. It was as much a part of hospitality for a host to see that his guests had their feet washed, as to provide food and lodging (Genesis 18:4; Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24). Basins were always kept ready for this purpose. Servants did this work (1 Samuel 25:41; 1 Tim. 5:10).
[45] Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:45
a [kiss] It was a custom that men greet each other with a kiss, not only relatives, but also others (Genesis 27:27; Genesis 29:13; Genesis 33:4; Genesis 45:15; Genesis 48:10; Exodus 4:27; Exodus 18:7; 1 Samuel 20:41; Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37). Kissing was an act of homage (Psalm 2:12; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Kings 19:18; Job 31:27; Hosea 13:2). It was customary among Christians (Romans 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12).
[46] My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luke 7:46
a [anoint] Anointing with olive oil mixed with fragrant and costly spices, was customary in the coronation of kings (2 Kings 11:12), installing high priests (Psalm 133:2), and an act of courtesy and hospitality toward guests (Luke 7:46). See Psalm 23:5; Psalm 92:10; Psalm 105:15; Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3; Eccles. 9:8; Micah 6:15; Matthew 6:17. Neglect of anointing self was an act of mourning (2 Samuel 14:2; Daniel 10:3; Matthew 6:17-18). To anoint the face was a sign of joy (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9).
[47] 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.
[48] And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Luke 7:48
a [Thy sins are forgiven] Christ forgave many people without and before water baptism (Matthew 9:1-7,22; Mark 5:34; Mark 10:52; Luke 7:48; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:9-14,42; Luke 19:1-9; Luke 23:43; John 4:49-53; John 7:31; John 8:30-31; etc.).
[49] And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
[50] And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 7:50
a [faith hath saved thee; go in peace] Faith in the blood of Christ and in His name still saves (Matthew 1:21; Luke 13:1-5; Romans 3:24; Romans 10:9-10; Ephes. 1:7; Ephes. 2:8-9; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 9:22).
