Are you an appreciative person because of the calendar or because of the reality of your life?

I need to see myself for who I am, my sins for what they are, and His forgiveness for what it is.

Luke 7:36-48 The Pharisee and the Sinner 36-39 The Story 40-43 The Lesson 44-48

John the B. has questions. Luke 7:18-35 Summary John the B. has questions. His ministry was short and over He’s in jail Did he get it right? Where is the Kingdom?

Luke 7:18-35 Summary Jesus gives John what he needs Jesus defends John The sinners admit God is right The Pharisees won’t respond Wise people show it by actions

So, the “bad people” respond to God and the “good people” don’t?? Wait… So, the “bad people” respond to God and the “good people” don’t??

The Pharisee and the Sinner 36-39 Luke 7:36-48 The Pharisee and the Sinner 36-39 The Story 40-43 The Lesson 44-48

Luke 7:36-37 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil,

Luke 7:36-37 Scene: A “good guy’s” house and an unexpected visit from one of the “bad people”. Awkward!

Luke 7:38-39  and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

Luke 7:38-39 And, of course, a righteous person would never let a sinner show appreciation to him!

Luke 7:38-39 The woman appreciates who Jesus is and what He has done, but the Pharisee does not!

The Pharisees are still at it. And, now, he sets his sights on Jesus. Luke 7:38-39 The Pharisees are still at it. And, now, he sets his sights on Jesus. But, he picked the wrong Target!

The Story 40-43 Luke 7:36-48 The Pharisee and the Sinner 36-39 The Lesson 44-48

So he said, “Teacher, say it.” Luke 7:40-41 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” Luke 7:42-43 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 

Three Characters: a Creditor and 2 Debtors Both debtors forgiven Luke 7:40-43 – The Story Three Characters: a Creditor and 2 Debtors Both debtors forgiven The one forgiven more, loves more

Luke 7:40-43 – The Point “On one level, this woman is worse than you. But, that’s why her forgiveness means so much to her and she loves Me so much”.

Appreciation leads to service! Luke 7:40-43 – The Point Appreciation leads to service!

The Lesson 44-48 Luke 7:36-48 The Pharisee and the Sinner 36-39 The Story 40-43 The Lesson 44-48

Luke 7:44-45  Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 

Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:46-48  You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

“Your sins are forgiven” Maybe for re-assurance, Luke 7:44-45 “Your sins are forgiven” Maybe for re-assurance, certainly for those nearby.

You didn’t show me common courtesy, respect, or appreciation!” Luke 7:44-45 “When you think about it, you’re every bit as bad and worse than she is! You didn’t show me common courtesy, respect, or appreciation!”

I need to see myself for who I am, my sins for what they are, and His forgiveness for what it is.

Notice her humble expressions to Jesus: Luke 7:38-39 Notice her humble expressions to Jesus: Washed His feet with her tears Wiped His feet with her hair Kissed His feet Anointed His head

Humility is the key to appreciation! Luke 7:38-39 Humility is the key to appreciation!

Those who appreciate the Lord more don’t necessarily sin more, Luke 7:44-45 Those who appreciate the Lord more don’t necessarily sin more, But they do know more of their sin.

Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Luke 7:49-50  And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

“Surprisingly”, the friends of the Pharisee don’t know who Jesus is. Luke 7:49-50 “Surprisingly”, the friends of the Pharisee don’t know who Jesus is. But, the “sinner” sure does!

Luke 7:49-50 Jesus wanted her to know that her repentance would deliver her from the judgment John had forecast on Israel.

Appreciation is the key to service Luke 7 Appreciation is the key to service Humility is the key to appreciation.

Luke 7 The key is not how much you’ve sinned, but how much you know you’ve sinned!

Luke 7 And once you know how much you’ve done, you must remember how much has been done for you!

I need to see myself for who I am, my sins for what they are, and His forgiveness for what it is.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” (G.K. Chesterton)

Hope you have great thanksgiving even after Thanksgiving! Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:16-18