The JESUS Film 24 Day ChallengeSample

"The JESUS Film 24-Day Challenge: Day 7"

Review

In this chapter we read several stories about Jesus reaching out to the needy and humble. The centurion acknowledged he was unworthy to have Jesus come to his house, yet Jesus healed his servant. The widow, left alone after the death of her only son, rejoiced when Jesus raised him from the dead.

But perhaps the most remarkable story is Jesus’ visit to the home of a self-righteous Pharisee. An outcast woman—who might have been a prostitute—began weeping, wetting Jesus’ feet with her tears, and then she wiped them dry with her hair.

The Pharisee reacted with judgment because he was focused on her past not her sincere act of love. Jesus rebuked the religious ruler, but forgave the woman for her sins—not on the basis of what she did to serve Him, but because of her faith and love for Him.

Reflect

• Jesus commended the centurion for his faith. How can our faith in Jesus grow and become stronger?
• Contrast the attitude of the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home, and the attitude of the outcast woman.
• How do we know this woman was forgiven on the basis of grace and not works? Describe how you think she felt when she heard Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven.”
• What lessons did Jesus want us to learn from the parable He told while in the home of the Pharisee?

Respond

Father, give me the faith of the centurion and the humility and faith of the needy woman. Help me to see that I also am a sinner, in need of Your grace and forgiveness. I receive Your forgiveness and rejoice that You have accepted me because of what Jesus has done. I also know my good works can’t save me—and so I choose to trust You for forgiveness and salvation.

In Jesus’ name, amen.