Who Do You Think You Are?
We don’t need to be reminded of our mistakes. We need to be reminded that there is a Savior, and His name is Jesus.
KEY VERSES
Luke 7:36-50 (NASB)
36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner!” 40 And Jesus responded and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A money lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred denarii, and the other, fifty. 42 When they were unable to repay, he canceled the debts of both. So which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I assume the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she has not stopped kissing My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 And then those who were reclining at the table with Him began saying to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
UNDERSTANDING
Without listing them all out, what are some of the biggest debts you carry right now (i.e. house, car, student loans, etc)?
What would it mean to you if someone paid off the largest debt you owed? What would you be able to do with your newfound financial freedom?
What would you feel for that person? How would you express your gratitude?
These verses set the scene for the story. Where was Jesus, who were the main characters, and what happened?
What do you find most interesting about the actions of the woman in this text?
What risk was this “sinful woman” taking in coming to the house of Simon, the Pharisee? What does this tell us about her?
In this week’s message, Anthony explained that Simon likely wanted to shout at the woman, “Who do you think you are?” If we’re honest, we can all relate to Simon on some level. Have you ever resented the fact that people who do horrible things can receive Christ’s forgiveness? Why? What does that type of attitude reveal about us?
What did Jesus see in this woman that Simon did not? How did this affect Jesus’s actions toward her?
What seemed to be Jesus’s main concern in this passage? Simon’s main concern? How had Simon misunderstood the nature of Christ’s ministry?
Jesus led Simon to a clearer understanding of the woman’s motives through the use of a parable. What was the point of the parable (vv. 40-43)?
What decision did Jesus’s parable and questions help Simon reach (v. 43)? What was he missing in his estimation of the sinful woman?
What would it have cost the moneylender to forgive the debtors? What does this tell us about the forgiveness we have in Christ?
How does gratitude for who Jesus is increase as we grow closer to Him? How does walking with Jesus lead us to continue in a pattern of repentance?
APPLICATION
Who do you relate to most in this encounter and parable in Luke 7: Simon, the woman, the debtor who didn’t owe very much, or the debtor who owed a lot? Explain.
Anthony said, “Few things are more dangerous than a faith that is misplaced, because a misplaced faith will always fail.” In your own words, what did he mean by that? Have you experienced the truth of that statement personally? Explain.
In this week’s message, Anthony used two chairs as an illustration and explained that “where you place your faith matters.” In the tale of two chairs, which one are you sitting in today? How can you know?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.