Practically Speaking: KingsWay Pastors’ Blog

Luke 7:36-50
Summary: 
This is a story of sharp contrasts - challenging the way each of us approach Jesus, and once again revealing why Jesus is here in the first place… and for whom. A (good) Pharisee has Jesus over for dinner, then a (bad) ’sinful’ woman barges in - very distracting. These are two very different people, each with a very different approach to Jesus. The ‘good’ person doesn’t care much for Jesus or pay Him any special attention. But the ‘bad’ person goes straight to Jesus and continually lavishes honor and love upon Him. Two very different sorts of people. Two very different views of Jesus. Two different transactions with Jesus: Jesus openly rebukes the ‘good’ person for his smug indifference. Jesus openly forgives the ‘bad’ person for her faith in His ability and willingness to forgive much.

For Meditation / Discussion:

• My estimation of Jesus depends on what I really think about myself. (Am I really that bad?) This whole story hinges on the contrasting self-diagnoses of the Pharisee and the sinful woman (one was self-confident in his own goodness, and one was convicted of sinfulness). Re-read the story - once from the standpoint of the Pharisee, and again from the standpoint of the sinful woman. Where do you see resemblances in yourself?
• How does your knowledge of God influence your love for Him? As you grow more familiar with Jesus, does your knowledge produce greater indifference or greater amazement/thankfulness? How might this passage from God’s Word save you from growing cold toward God?
• Jesus’ closing words to this woman are “your faith has saved you, go in peace.” In this passage, we see faith on display. From this vivid story, what does ‘futile’ faith look like? What does ’saving’ faith look like? (The Pharisee pins his hope to his own goodness. The woman pins all of her hope on the mercy, grace and authority of Jesus.)
• Do you see your need for Jesus to forgive you? Do you believe He alone can do it, or do you still hold out some hope of being good enough?
• Now, where do you go when you mess up? Do you frequent the throne of grace? If not, let the love of Christ in this passage soften your heart.
• If you are trusting His mercy, hear His words again and let them sink into your heart: “go in peace.”