Grace and Forgiveness: Jesus' Compassion for All

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we begin a new sermon series by diving into Luke 7:33-50. This passage reveals Jesus' response to his critics and provides a powerful story that exemplifies his teachings. Jesus contrasts the lives of John the Baptist and himself, highlighting how both were criticized despite their different lifestyles. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Jesus' interactions with people, particularly those society deems unworthy.

I shared a personal story about a counseling session where I confronted my past sins and the shame that accompanied them. This experience led me to question what Jesus would say to me at my worst. It was a moment of profound realization that Jesus' voice and presence are essential in our lives, especially in our moments of deepest regret and failure.

We then examined the story of Jesus dining at Simon the Pharisee's house, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with her tears and expensive perfume. This act of devotion starkly contrasts with Simon's self-righteousness. Jesus tells a parable about two debtors to illustrate that both Simon and the woman are in need of forgiveness, regardless of the magnitude of their sins. The key takeaway is that Jesus offers grace and forgiveness to all, whether they are self-righteous or deeply sinful.

Jesus' interaction with the woman shows his profound love and forgiveness. He acknowledges her sins but also her faith and repentance, offering her peace and a new beginning. This story challenges us to see ourselves in both Simon and the woman, recognizing our need for Jesus' grace and forgiveness.

### Key Takeaways

1. Jesus' Presence in Our Shame: When we confront our deepest regrets and sins, we often struggle to believe that Jesus would offer us grace. Yet, Jesus' presence in our lives, especially in our moments of shame, is transformative. He does not share our contempt but offers love and forgiveness. This is a crucial aspect of following Jesus—knowing and believing what he would say to us in our darkest moments. [38:14]

2. The Universality of Forgiveness: Jesus' parable of the two debtors teaches us that regardless of the size of our sins, we all stand in need of forgiveness. It's not about the magnitude of our debt but our shared inability to repay it. This shared need for forgiveness is a humbling reminder that we cannot earn our way to righteousness; it is a gift from Jesus. [56:07]

3. The Transformative Power of Repentance: The woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume is a powerful display of repentance and love. Her actions show that true repentance is accompanied by a profound transformation in how we live and express our love for Jesus. This story challenges us to examine the fruits of our repentance. [57:29]

4. Jesus' Compassion for All: Jesus' interaction with both Simon and the woman demonstrates his compassion for all, whether self-righteous or deeply sinful. He invites both to find grace at his feet, showing that his love and forgiveness are available to everyone. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of Jesus' ministry and a model for how we should treat others. [58:10]

5. The Cost of Forgiveness: Jesus' declaration of forgiveness to the woman is not just a kind word; it is a costly act. It foreshadows his sacrifice on the cross, where he would bear the weight of our sins. This profound act of love underscores the depth of Jesus' commitment to us and the immense cost of our forgiveness. [01:00:35]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[33:17] - Introduction and Announcements
[34:09] - Jesus Responds to Critics
[35:02] - Personal Counseling Experience
[35:55] - Confronting Past Sins
[37:31] - Imagining Jesus' Words
[38:14] - Jesus' Presence in Our Shame
[39:38] - The Importance of Jesus' Voice
[40:30] - Jesus in Our Moments of Failure
[41:07] - Who is Jesus to Us?
[42:01] - Jesus, Friend of Sinners
[42:48] - Introduction to the Story of Simon and the Woman
[43:43] - Simon the Pharisee
[45:33] - Simon's Curiosity About Jesus
[46:30] - The Sinful Woman
[47:15] - The Woman's Desperate Circumstances
[48:20] - Jesus' Teaching and Reputation
[49:00] - The Woman's Hope in Jesus
[50:07] - The Woman's Act of Devotion
[51:15] - The Room's Reaction
[52:24] - Simon's Disgust
[53:32] - Jesus' Response
[54:30] - The Parable of the Two Debtors
[56:07] - The Universality of Forgiveness
[57:29] - The Transformative Power of Repentance
[58:10] - Jesus' Compassion for All
[59:01] - Jesus Forgives the Woman
[01:00:35] - The Cost of Forgiveness
[01:01:11] - Our Need for Jesus' Grace
[01:05:12] - Invitation to Repent and Believe
[01:10:29] - Communion
[01:11:08] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Luke 7:33-50

### Observation Questions
1. What were the different criticisms faced by John the Baptist and Jesus according to Luke 7:33-34?
2. Describe the actions of the sinful woman when she encountered Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's house. What did she do, and how did the people in the room react? [50:07]
3. What parable did Jesus tell Simon the Pharisee, and what was its main point? [54:30]
4. How did Jesus respond to the sinful woman after she anointed his feet? What were his exact words to her? [59:01]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to contrast the lives of John the Baptist and himself in Luke 7:33-34? What point was he trying to make to his critics?
2. In the parable of the two debtors, what does the inability to repay the debt symbolize in terms of our relationship with God? [56:07]
3. How does the story of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee challenge our understanding of grace and forgiveness? [57:29]
4. What does Jesus' interaction with the sinful woman reveal about his character and his approach to those society deems unworthy? [59:47]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt deep shame or regret. How do you think Jesus would respond to you in that moment? How does this align with the pastor's counseling experience? [38:14]
2. The sermon emphasized the universality of forgiveness. How does recognizing our shared need for forgiveness impact the way we view and treat others, especially those we might consider "worse" sinners? [56:07]
3. The sinful woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet was a profound display of repentance and love. What are some tangible ways you can show your repentance and love for Jesus in your daily life? [57:29]
4. Jesus showed compassion to both the self-righteous Simon and the sinful woman. How can you practice this kind of inclusivity and compassion in your interactions with others? [58:10]
5. Understanding the cost of forgiveness, as highlighted by Jesus' sacrifice, how does this deepen your appreciation for what Jesus has done for you? How can this understanding influence your actions and decisions? [01:00:35]
6. The pastor shared his struggle with believing what Jesus would say to him at his worst. Do you struggle with similar doubts? How can you cultivate a deeper belief in Jesus' love and forgiveness for you personally? [38:53]
7. How can you create space in your life to hear Jesus' voice, especially in moments of failure or shame? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are listening to his words of grace and forgiveness? [01:02:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Presence in Our Shame
When we confront our deepest regrets and sins, we often struggle to believe that Jesus would offer us grace. Yet, Jesus' presence in our lives, especially in our moments of shame, is transformative. He does not share our contempt but offers love and forgiveness. This is a crucial aspect of following Jesus—knowing and believing what he would say to us in our darkest moments. [38:14]

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV): "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy."

Reflection: Think of a moment in your life where you felt deep shame. How can you invite Jesus into that memory and allow His grace to transform your perception of it today?

Day 2: The Universality of Forgiveness
Jesus' parable of the two debtors teaches us that regardless of the size of our sins, we all stand in need of forgiveness. It's not about the magnitude of our debt but our shared inability to repay it. This shared need for forgiveness is a humbling reminder that we cannot earn our way to righteousness; it is a gift from Jesus. [56:07]

Romans 3:23-24 (ESV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt superior to someone else because their sins seemed greater than yours. How can you humble yourself today and recognize your own need for Jesus' forgiveness?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of Repentance
The woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume is a powerful display of repentance and love. Her actions show that true repentance is accompanied by a profound transformation in how we live and express our love for Jesus. This story challenges us to examine the fruits of our repentance. [57:29]

2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have repented but not yet seen transformation. What steps can you take today to align your actions with your repentance?

Day 4: Jesus' Compassion for All
Jesus' interaction with both Simon and the woman demonstrates his compassion for all, whether self-righteous or deeply sinful. He invites both to find grace at his feet, showing that his love and forgiveness are available to everyone. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of Jesus' ministry and a model for how we should treat others. [58:10]

Matthew 9:36 (ESV): "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love or forgive. How can you show them the same compassion and grace that Jesus extends to everyone?

Day 5: The Cost of Forgiveness
Jesus' declaration of forgiveness to the woman is not just a kind word; it is a costly act. It foreshadows his sacrifice on the cross, where he would bear the weight of our sins. This profound act of love underscores the depth of Jesus' commitment to us and the immense cost of our forgiveness. [01:00:35]

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for your forgiveness. How can you live in a way that honors the cost of that forgiveness today?

Quotes

1. "And what I've realized, something about me at that age is about more than me at that age. It's everything that I despise about myself, even today. The worst of me personified as this younger me. And so my words were anger and contempt and embarrassment. And I say a lot. And it's quiet. And the counselor says, okay. Then he asks a question that's changing me. He said, what if Jesus was here? Risen Jesus. Scars in his arms. Jesus our Savior and his resurrected body. If he were in the room, if he were to speak to you then, what would he say?" [38:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And here's what's happening. Jesus' presence. His voice. His presence was being introduced, was being brought into a part of my life that I did not know that I'd kept him out of. Places of shame, places empty of grace that really needed his voice. And so what if he's in the room right now, this moment, as I tried to hear him and as I tried to think about him and give an answer for what he would say, I was confronted with what do I really believe about him? Who is he to me? Does he share my contempt? Would he call me a fool?" [38:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "It's a powerful thing. I imagine, here's what I'm imagining. I'm imagining that if he did show up. Listen, Jesus is in the room. And he spoke. I imagine whatever he said would matter to you, especially in moments like these. Maybe like me, you could imagine these seasons of regret, like these seasons of major failure of life. And you can consider Jesus walking into a room where your past looms over you. What would he say? Maybe your marriage is in shambles and you don't know what to do. And if Jesus walks in the room right after the big fight, what would he say?" [40:30] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And what we get to see is who he is to them. And what we get to hear is what he says to them. And what you and I, when we read these stories, what you and I are asked to believe is we're asked to believe that the same Jesus who spoke, spoke then, speaks now. And what he said to them is what he says to us. We're going to do that this fall. We're going to look at these kinds of stories to hear his voice. What does he sound like? Who is he to people in these different messy moments of their life?" [42:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And the question over the moment is, what does she think she's doing? And the question over the moment is, what is Jesus gonna do about it? Likely her plan was to anoint Jesus' feet as a kindness to him, as a way to honor him. The roads back then were tough, on feet, the oil would help them. But as she gets closer, she can't help her tears. So she breaks down weeping. Maybe she's overwhelmed by her sin in his presence, probably. Maybe she expected him like everyone else did to stop her. That's close enough. I know who you are. Get back in your place. But he doesn't stop her, he welcomes her, looks her in her eyes, treats her like she belonged." [51:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "And Jesus is so brilliant here. He doesn't argue with him about who has sinned more. Simon has lived a different life than this woman, but that's not the point. The point is the woman can't pay what she owes and neither can he. It's not about the size of the debt. It's about the shared need for forgiveness. It's about the shared need for forgiveness. It's about the forgiveness that neither of them can earn. Jesus says, I want you to see this woman, Simon. See her. Not as a sinner, but as someone who has something to teach you, teacher." [56:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And he changes the conversation. He changes it from what kind of people need forgiveness more than others to here is what forgiveness looks like. Here's what a forgiven person does. Here's what repentance looks like, coming out as the fruits of repentance in someone's life. Everything about what she does is sorrow over her sin and love for Jesus. Simon wanted a prophet who met his expectations. Simon needed a savior who cancels his debt. And in this moment, the reversal, the only outstanding debt in the room is not her past sexual sin. It's Simon's present unrepentance." [57:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And Jesus looks at her and his eyes look in love. The first thing he says to her, the first words she hears from his lips, your sins are forgiven. And I just can't imagine him speaking these words, keeping his distance. That's not who he is. I imagine he held her hands, brushed back her hair, wiped her face, touched her. It's intimate but not sexual. Love with no lust. And so with perfume on his feet and dirt in her hair, he speaks, your sins are forgiven. Your past completely covered." [59:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I think some of us read stories like this and we only see ourselves as Simon. We get the rebuke, but we never get the grace. We don't see Jesus as someone who would love me at my worst. That's only who he is to other people. So we know what to say, but what we actually believe is that he is like that to some, but he's not like that to me. So I'm sitting there in the counselor's office, looking at the empty chair. I'm sitting there unsure about what Jesus would say. And the counselor says, I think Jesus would say, I love you. I love you." [01:01:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "There is room for me at his feet. There is room for you at his feet. Hear him today. Hear him. Make space in your heart for his voice this morning. And if we could do that together, would you pray with me? Would you bow your head? Would you close your eyes? And I want to lean into what we asked Jesus for this morning. Oh Lord, we need you. We need you. Spirit of God, would you be with us? Would you meet us?" [01:02:21] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?