WEEK 11 | Luke 7 - 11
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
Two events in the last fifteen years shaped my life. The first occurred during a rainy, dark morning as I drove home from a church meeting. I cried at the realization of a besetting sin that, once again, resurfaced in my life. Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner! Except this time, I named the actual sin. I honestly acknowledged my fleshly and sinful desires before the Lord.
The second event occurred in May 2019, as I was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.
The first event made me realize who I am before God. The second event made me realize more of God’s great love for me. Seeing Jesus was no longer a “someday” event, but a closer reality than ever realized.
A woman in Luke 7 seems to clearly understand these two truths: who she is before God and His great love for her. She sneaks into a Pharisee’s party knowing Jesus is there. (Have you ever snuck in somewhere? I snuck into the drive-in movie once when I was in high school by hiding in the trunk of the car. I got caught!) This woman takes a place behind Jesus and pours a vial of very expensive perfume on his feet.
The Pharisee rebukes Jesus for allowing her to do this. Jesus responds with a story about two people who owed their master money. One owed a very large debt. One owed a much smaller debt. The master forgave them both.
Which forgiven person would experience deeper love and gratitude?
The Pharisee correctly answers by saying the one who owed the Master the greater debt. Jesus commends the Pharisee and refers to the woman with the perfume: “…her great love proves that her many sins have been forgiven; where little has been forgiven, little love is shown" (Luke 7:47 NLT). The one who has been forgiven little, loves little. The one who has been forgiven much, loves much.
Do you realize how much you have been forgiven?
CHALLENGE
Remember the One who completely knows you and fully loves you.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever had an experience that made you realize who you really were before God? Would you care to share that experience?
- Do you have people in your life who know who you really are? (The part with no secrets.) Who are they?
How do you daily express your gratitude for the forgiveness you've received?
AUTHOR
Marty Mayer
Northern Kentucky FCA
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