A Sinful Woman
Luke 7:36-50
Pastor Jerry Koller

The only other mention of personal contact between Jesus and a Pharisee was when Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions, and he did this under the cover of night. Simon didn't look for cover.

This is a reference to something in which she was actively engaged at the present moment. It reflects her current state of living.

Two Misconceptions:
· Some believe that the woman in question was a prostitute. There is no real evidence that this was the sin condition of this woman. It is simply conjecture.
· Some feel this person was Mary Magdalene. There is no substantial proof to support either misconception.

Alabaster is a stone that looks like white marble. It was considered to be a precious stone, which is why Solomon used it in the Temple.

In that day, some meals were considered public events.
· One of the doors of the dining room would have been left open through which uninvited guests could pass in and out.
· Chairs were placed along the walls to accommodate visitors.
· Invited guests would have reclined at a table in the middle of the room.
· Based on Jesus’ discussion with Simon later in the passage, it would seem that she continued to kiss the feet of Jesus even as she poured perfume on them.

Following Simon’s teaching opportunity, Jesus turns His attention to the woman.

Back to Simon:

· What is important is that one was in more debt than the other.
· What is important is that neither had the means to repay their debt.
· What is important is that the moneylender forgave both men.

Now which of them will love him more? Simon gave the obvious answer. Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”
· Jesus said, You have judged correctly.

To illustrate the significance of this woman’s actions, Jesus compares Simon to the sinful woman.
· Simon would not have considered himself on the same level as the sinful woman.
· Then Jesus revealed the condition of the woman’s heart by comparing what she did and what Simon did not do.

#1. The first lesson we must learn is that no one has the ability to repay our debt to God.
· A problem arises when we view sin in various degrees of seriousness.
· When this occurs, we tend to brush aside the sins that we think are not too offensive.
· As long as we continue to do this, the longer we can view ourselves as being self-righteous.

#2. The second lesson we must learn builds upon the first. While we are not able to repay our debt, God has the ability to cancel it. · Christ died for all of mankind. His death on the cross was sufficient for anyone’s redemption.
· This does not mean that everyone is going to heaven.
· Christ's death was sufficient for all mankind, but all mankind will not accept it as sufficient for themselves.

#3. This brings us to the third lesson. Forgiveness brings peace. Notice verse 50: Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

A bit later in His ministry, Jesus told His disciples...

· Scott Newton (Roberta Newton's son) is recovering from a bacterial infection and homebound.
· Kendra Newton (Roberta Newton's granddaughter) is recovering from back surgery in Florida.
· Vincent Bryant (son of Miriam Bryant) is recovering from surgery.
· Butch & Gail Sternum (friends of Roberta Newton) - Gail is recovering from hip surgery and fell and broke her ankle. Butch is in need of a liver transplant, but refuses to have one.
· James & Melissa Kirby (nephew of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) who recently bought a new house and are having plumbing and a/c issues. Please pray that their issues can be easily resolved.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. She has begun a treatment regimen that looks promising. Please pray that it is effective and that she will be feeling better soon.
· The Marshall Family: Continue to pray for Nolan who is still struggling.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com