A loved sinner loves

Introduction

Through out his ministry Jesus was accused of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners. We see this in v.34.

This was because Jesus spent time with people who were known for their immoral lives. He did this not to encourage them in their sin but rather to turn them from it. He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

Jesus often showed love and kindness to people who were looked down on by others for their sinful lives. In our reading we have an account of this taking place.

If you really understood the seriousness of your sin before a holy God, then you would love this account of Jesus. Here we see there is mercy, there is forgiveness and cleansing even for those we think are beyond salvation.

In this passage we see the love of Jesus for sinful people and we also see the love that forgiven sinners ought to have for Jesus.

Luke brings this out for us powerfully but giving us two contrasts. These two contrasts lead to one conclusion.

I. Jesus & the pharisee response to the sinful woman

a) Pharisee’s response

i)Looked down on her v.39

ii) wouldn’t touch her v.39

b) Jesus’ response

i) Allowed her to touch him

ii)Defended her- v.40-47

iii) Forgave her v.48

(perhaps she even became part of the group who ministered to him)

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II. The Sinful woman & the pharisee response to Jesus

a) Pharisee’s response

i) Invited to feast-

teacher/ prophet

ii) No customary acts of hospitality

iii) questioned him-

as prophet and power to forgive

b) Sinful woman’s response-

i) Gratitude v.38

ii) loved much- v.47

feet, feet, feet

She wasn’t forgiven because she loved much. She loved much because she had been forgiven.

iii) faith in Christ v.50

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Conclusion

Jesus loves sinners and sinners who are saved in turn love him

a) Jesus loves sinners

b) Saved sinners love Jesus