Sermon Tone Analysis

“The greatest Resolution ever made”

(Powerpoint overview of the book of Luke- Technology Committee)

Introduction: Today we will be looking at three individuals who interacted with Jesus.

All played different roles, all responded differently.

My prayer today is that we see three examples of who we can be in 2023.

For many churches, 2020 started off as a year of vision, 2021 was a year of re-gathering, and 2022 seemed to carry the theme of transformative growth.

Our Pastor, last fall gave us the vision of a “garden environment” of the church.

He challenged us to care for an environment that promotes growth as a believer, leader, family member, and individual.

Example One:

In the first section we see that John is somewhere where he is not able to reach Jesus himself.

Matt 11:2

Based on chronology, John is in prison at this point and perhaps is experiencing some doubt.

He read of the Messiah who was going to “set captives free”.

John sends out two disciples to Jesus to ask the question, “Hey are you the One we are waiting for?”

Do I need to wait longer?? Look at what verse 21 states.

Circle these items: In that instance He {Jesus} Cured many of:

A) Infirmities

B) Afflictions

C) Evil Spirits

D) The blind were given sight

In the preceding chapters of Luke, Jesus was healing many people, restoring them, and sending them about their way.

This trend will only continue.

This is a visual indicator of what He seeks to do with people “spiritually”.

Jesus explains to the disciples to report back to John regarding these items (Vs.

22-23).

As Jesus sent back the disciples to John, Jesus begins to speak to the multitude regarding John.

Jesus breaks a part who and what John means to Him, He is the proclaimer and the messenger of the Messiah.

Although John is locked up, Jesus values Him!

He calls Him the greatest prophet to ever lived.

We must now look at verse 28.

The proclaimer is never equal to the fulfilment.

Leading up to these passages Luke is writing about the kingdom to come and its principles and teachings.

Although John is considered the greatest prophet, He does not equal to those who will experience the kingdom.

In essence, the mission of John the Baptist was near completion.

Example two: (Only Luke mentions this interaction)

Jesus now faces a shift, where the people ( plus tax collectors) begin to dissect what Jesus is teaching.

The Pharisees and lawyers decide to reject the “will of God”.

It has been said that here was the dividing line of those who believed and those (through the ministry of John and Jesus) rejected God.

Jesus’ response is one of a kind and quite pointed.

Perhaps in verses 31-32 Jesus is referring to children games that often would be played.

Jesus notes that these spiritual religious leaders picked a part John’s ministry.

Later on they picked apart Jesus’ ministry.

We could not have two more different people in ministry together, and these people are just not satisfied!

After this dialogue a Pharisee, Simon, invites Jesus into His home.

Why would a Pharisee to do?

We just witnessed and read that they rejected Him!

So why? Perhaps, Jesus at this point was becoming a public figure, and it could be that a Pharisee would invite a passing traveler into His home for a meal.

Note a few odd events that took place:

Jesus walked in and sat down

No anointing oil, no feet washing, and no mention of a Holy Kiss.

It appears that Simon was inviting Jesus into His home to just say that he did it.

It appears that Simon was keeping Jesus to a social relationship.

He was keeping him at a shallow depth.

We do this at times throughout our walk.

We want to say we have a relationship, we make mention of Him, we attend services, we say we pray… but it is left at a mere and shallow social relationship.

Example three:

While Jesus is at Simon’s house, a women of reputation comes in.

She begins to do the acts that the host should have done when Jesus entered the house.

Now you must imagine how things were laid out.

We now have two very different people in the presence of Jesus.

Back in this day, they did not have tables like we do.

They may have been laying on one arm and their feet behind them.

So while Jesus and Simon are sitting there this women is probably behind Jesus at His feet.

It is interesting she is labeled as “A sinner”.

It appears that everyone knew this.

Perhaps the reason she entered the scene was because she heard the message “Come to me, all who are weak and heavy laden”.

Look at the response from Simon in verse 39. “Hey, I invited you”.

He begins to question if Jesus is really a prophet, because this women was not living up the standards of the typical pharisee.

“If only you knew Jesus”...

Jesus's response is something we all need to hear.

Vs 40-42.

Jesus asks Simon, “Do you see this women?”

I just wander if Jesus after his message on love and forgiveness, was really asking Simon, “Do you see this woman like I do?”

After all, Simon was a sinner too, with more private sins that were not made public.

They were not cast at the feet of Jesus.

Read Vs. 44-47.

Jesus looks at the women and says “Your sins are forgiven”.

The Pharisees seem as though they begin to ponder who is this guy?

I love what it says in Mark 8 where Peter was asked by Jesus “Who do you say that I am”?

His response is the Messiah but that was what everyone was looking for.

A messiah to redeem them from the Roman empire; not a Savior to redeem and restore our souls.

In the book of Mark that interaction is placed right after the healing of a blind man.

Jesus spits on his eyes and put his hands on him.

And what happened?

He only saw partially, “I see men like trees walking”.

He didn't see clearly, so Jesus put his hands back over his eyes again and made the man “look up”, and the man saw.

It has been said that many miracles were performed but the one that really got peoples attention was blind people being able to see.

No ordinary man could do that.

In some ways, all three examples of people had a form of blindness or blurriness at some point.

The women has now been forgiven!

Jesus sends her out by three amazing words that most of humanity seeks.

“Go in PEACE”.

Can you imagine the relief that this women experiences?

If the men would come forward for the Lord’s supper.

1 Corinthians 11:27 tells us that a man must examine himself.

Much like the woman surely did as she was in the presence of Jesus.

Examine & Prayer

Pray over the bread:

This passage back in Luke may seem scattered at first, but when you start to take a look at the melodic line that Luke is trying to convey to Theopholis so that he may be certain of the things in which he has been told, you realize what is happening.

1. John found himself in an interesting circumstance that had him limited.

The woman had her fair share of circumstances.