TodayThis Year
From the Gospels

Luke 7:36-50

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Reflection

This rich story touches on many key issues of the gospel and our response to it. First, we see a stark contrast between two different kinds of people. Simon the Pharisee fails to provide for Jesus the basic cultural forms of hospitality (Luke 7:45–46), and in his heart he condemns a humble and sinful woman in need of compassion (v. 39). Meanwhile the “sinner” of this story, the broken prostitute, is a woman of faith (v. 50) and shows great affection for Jesus.

Second, this story once again emphasizes that the gospel provides forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus (vv. 47–50). Jesus has the authority to erase our debt, and we are simply called to believe in him for this grace. When we understand our brokenness and cast ourselves upon Jesus, the result is forgiveness, love, and peace. If instead we lack compassion for others and love Jesus little, then we show that we do not understand our own sinfulness and the grace of Christ.

From the Epistles

Ephesians 6:1-9

6: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Reflection

Those who have been adopted and transformed by the love of Jesus (Eph. 5:1–2) and are filled with God’s Spirit (5:18) should honor Christ by submitting to the authorities in their lives (5:21). Because of the gospel of Christ, wives should submit to their husbands (5:22), children should obey their parents (6:3), and bondservants should obey their masters (vv. 5–7).

The gospel should also powerfully shape those who hold positions of authority. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church (5:25); fathers (and mothers) should avoid harsh and unreasonable treatment of their children; masters should be good and gracious to their servants (6:9). There is no area of life so big or so mundane that the person and work of Christ is irrelevant. The gospel informs and transforms everything we do.

From the Psalms

Psalm 67:1-3

67: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 2 that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Thoughts For Prayer

Those who realize that they have been forgiven much will have a greater appreciation for Christ’s mercy than those who think they have been forgiven little (Luke 7:47). Do not allow yourself to think that you have little need for Christ’s mercy. Pray that you and your Christian friends would be deeply aware of your need for Christ and the reality of his amazing grace.

Visit Main Site

7100 Pettibone Road Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
(440) 543-1212

Join us for Sunday services at

© 2024 Parkside Church. Site by Each+Every.