Thou Gavest Me No Kiss

(Luke 7:36-47) "Thou gavest me no kiss"

There are two people described in our text.

First we have a Pharisee; a very refined gentleman; a man of dignity and respect.

Then there is a prostitute; a woman of ill repute; an outcast of society; a sinner.

Jesus is the guest of the Pharisee, and has been treated to an exquisite meal. But, while He is dining, a woman slips in through the back door, and falls at His feet.

The Pharisee thinks to himself, "If this man were a prophet, He would know the kind of woman that is kissing His feet.

Jesus, knowing his thoughts, used a story to show a truth (parable): He said, "A certain man had two debtors which owed him money: 50/500 pence..."

The Pharisee did not see himself as a sinner, so he loved God very little. He probably thought God was lucky to have him around.

But, the prostitute knew she was wicked, and loved God much for His forgiveness. She kissed His feet, and wiped them with her hair.

The custom of the day was that when you entered into a man’s house, he washed your feet, and kissed your cheek.

Jesus compares the love of the Pharisee with that of the prostitute. The prostitute washed His feet with her tears, and kissed His feet.

But, Jesus said to the Pharisee, "thou gavest me no kiss..."

(Psa. 2:11-12) "Kiss the son, lest He be angry"

Worshiping the Son

I. The Elements of Worship (Isa. 6:1-3).

A. Reverence - "with twain he covered his face..."

1. You will never worship God until you get a glimpse of who He is.

> "He that cometh to God, must believe that He is..."

> You will never even begin to worship God until you see Him as Almighty, Holy God.

2. Isaiah said, "I saw the Lord..."

> Most of what we call worship, is just formalistic junk.

> If you ever get sight of God, it will absolutely change your worship!

3. The angels realized the holiness of God, and covered their face.

> Yet, dirty, wicked, self-glorifying man thinks he can stand proudly, in the presence of God.

> The angels knowing the holiness of God, hid their face from Him.

4. They covered their face in reverence to God.

> They cried, Holy, Holy, Holy...

> If you ever get a glimpse of God, it will change your worship.

B. Humility - "with twain he covered his feet..."

1. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he saw himself (v. 5).

> If you ever get a look at God, it will reveal your own wicked heart.

> Isaiah saw God, and it caused him to see himself.

2. If you ever get a vision of Him, you will never brag about yourself again.

> If you ever get a vision of Him, you will never see yourself as anything but a worthless worm.

Alas, and did my Savior bleed,

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head,

FOR SUCH A WORM AS I?

3. The angels covered their feet because they were humbled in the presence of God.

> Anytime you are in a position to serve God. Either to preach, to sing, or to pray; it should be done with reverence and humility.

> We dare not come into the presence of God with pride and arrogance.

C. Service - "with twain he did fly..."

1. We were created for God’s pleasure.

> "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

> We were made to serve Him. We find our joy and purpose in serving Him.

> Those who do not serve God have no purpose, nor reason to live.

2. Reverence and humility must come before service.

> You will not be allowed to serve God if you ignore the other two.

> You cannot serve God without reverence and humility, FIRST!

II. The Order of Worship.

God always follows a pattern. "Let all things be done decently and in order." God has a orderly pattern to follow:

A. Worship.

1. Worship always comes first.

> You must learn to worship God, before He will use you.

> They can never stand for God; or sing for God; or preach for God...

> WHO DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO WORSHIP GOD???

2. The highest priority in all Christian service, is bringing glory to GOD!

> Which is better serving God, or kissing His feet?

> The Pharisee served Him an elegant meal. And treated Him as an honored guest.

> But, the prostitute kissed His feet.

3. The greatest honor is not what great things I can do... But, will I worship God?