Those forgiven much love much

Jesus was accused of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners. v.34

Jesus loves sinful people not because of what they are but because of what they can be.

A woman who was known to be a sinner, probably a prostitute, became a person who deeply loved Christ and was willing to sacrifice greatly for him.

This is what Jesus does. He is the friend of sinners.

He takes people who are sinful and living in rebellion against him. He changes them and forgives them and turns them into faithful followers. Not only that one day they will be made to be like him, conformed to his image. When they see him they will be like him. He will be the Firstborn among many brethren.

That is the whole point of this account. That is the point Luke is trying to drive home. Here we see Jesus is a loving and compassionate Saviour. We also see how we ought to respond to Christ when we are saved from the devotion this lady gives to Christ.

This passage should encourage us and also challenge us.

I. The self righteous and the humble sinner

Tell narrative

a) Pharisee

i) Dined him but neglected customary hospitality

ii) Pharisee doubted Jesus.

b) prostitute

i) Came with fragrant oil to show devotion

ii) Couldn’t control her tears- deep gratitude

iii) Washed feet with tears and dried with hair

iV) Kissed feet and anointed them. Oil- perhaps worth a years wages.

If we didn’t know better we could be forgiven for thinking the final hymn we sang this morning was penned by this lady.

Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve, pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free. Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change, washes away the stains that once covered me.

And all that I have I lay at the feet of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Application-

Who do you look like most?

II. Those forgiven much love much

Tell narrative

a) Parable of debtor and creditors

Tell parable

The parable reminds us of our sin debt before God.

Whether you have a lot of sin or a little you are still a debtor.

God can freely forgive all who repent and believe because of the finished work of Christ.

Who will love more?

b) The prostitute loved more than the pharisee

i) Water v.44

ii) Kiss v.45

iii) Oil v.46

This act of love is evidence of her forgiveness. She was forgiven because of faith (v.50), the parable and Jesus point demonstrates the love shows she has already been forgiven before this point.

Jesus publicly forgives her before every one present. Her faith saved her.

Application-

Have you been forgiven?

If you have been forgiven, do you love much?

Have you forgotten how unworthy you were?

Conclusion

Jesus loves sinful people not because of what they are but because of what they can be. He saves sinful people and makes them life him. For his glory.

Jesus is a loving Saviour- just as he had mercy on this prostitute he will have mercy on you if you come in repentance and faith.

A loving Saviour deserves our love- This lady loved the Lord Jesus and was willing to sacrifice greatly for him. Are we willing to do the same?