Following Jesus… in Luke’s gospel

True conversionLove for JesusThe power of faithThe cost of discipleshipEaster Sunday: He’s alive!The road to EmmausDealing with our doubts

We all love a good storyMain character: CinderellaA problem: unkind familyPotential solution: fairy Godmother & handsome guyCrisis: clock strikes midnightEnding: they lived happilyever after!We are wired for a happyending; wired for hope.

God’s story. This is HIS-story. History!The divine rhythm of life. Main character: MankindA problem: Separation from GodPotential solution: Jesus, God’s sonCrisis: CrucifixionEnding: Resurrection life

Luke 7: 36 - 5036 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house andreclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of

perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.39 When the Pharisee whohad invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him

and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him “Simon I have something to tell you.”“Tell me, teacher,” he said.41 “Two people owed money to a certain money lender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to

pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had thebigger debt forgiven.”“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house.

You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but thiswoman, from the time I entered, has not stoppedkissing my feet. 46 You didnot put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven -

as her great love has shown.But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 The other guests beganto say among themselves, “Who is this who evenforgives sins?”50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This story begins earlier…

Something significant had happened to this woman before she arrived at Simon’s house. v37

This is shocking event.

We know she had lived a sinful life v37The scandal – that she draws close to Jesus. v38

She says nothing – but her actions speak a thousand words.

She’s celebrated because she loved much v47

Simon is in for a further shock.

He’s the respectable one. He thinks he knows what’s going on - and is appalled.

But Jesus is bringing a new model for life. Do you see this woman? v44

What do we see?

Love is shown through extravagance & generosity.

Her perfume is costly.•Love is sacrificial. It costs us something.•Love prefers others.•Love is more than minimum.

We shrink from generous love •We think there won’t be enough. •We think it might be misinterpreted.

Love is demonstrated.•Actions speak louder than words.•Love gets its hands dirty.•Love notices the needs of others.•Love offers gifts of time and service as well as flowers and chocolates!•Love avoids hypocrisy – humility and gratitude.

Love has pure motives•It’s not self seeking•It’s not people pleasing•It’s no strings attached!•It’s inclusive not exclusive.

It is very easy to close our hearts.

Love doesn’t act on second hand information. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

1 Sam 16:7

As we look towards Easter…this is also a story of Jesus’ love for us.

The woman’s actions are evidence of something. …as her great love has shown. v48

Through Jesus she has learnt to love extravagantly. She has dealt with the things that limit love.

Jesus’ love cancels debt.

£5 ; £50,000Who will love him more? v42

Emotional appreciation.She had no bargaining position.

Every debt cancelled. Your sins are forgiven. v48Nothing held against us.Opposite of Simon’s separation.

Jesus’ love comforts grief.

That life hasn’t always gone the way we hoped or planned.

The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Jesus’ love brings healing.Wounds caused by our actions or others.Wounds from disappointment.

He heals the brokenhearted and bindsup their wounds. Ps 147:3

Jesus’ love brings hope and peace.It’s transformational.Your faith has saved you; go in peace. v50

Following Jesus… in Luke’s gospel

True conversionLove for JesusThe power of faithThe cost of discipleshipEaster Sunday: He’s alive!The road to EmmausDealing with our doubts