Lesson 36: Forgiveness and Worship (Luke 7:36-50)

Throughout the gospels we get some sweet pictures of people who love Jesus in such a way that reminds us of how precious a Savior He is. A “great sinner” does just that for us in this story as she weeps at the feet of Jesus and shows how much she values Him by anointing His feet with expensive perfume. The setting provided Jesus the opportunity to highlight the contrast between His host, Simon, and a woman Simon and his party wished had not come by. We observe the following principles as we are taken through this text. 1) Christ forgives sinners. God loves, welcomes, and forgives sinners. 2) Forgiven sinners love Christ. (As we grow in our understanding of forgiveness, we grow in our love for Him.) 3) Love for Christ always manifests itself in profound, God-glorifying actions. 4) Therefore, God’s incredible forgiveness is designed to reveal God’s magnificent glory.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff