Called // January 11th
Simon the Pharisee and the Sinner: The Call to Humility, to Repent from sin
Narrative Scripture: Luke 7:36–50
Supporting Passages: 1 Peter 5:5 (Humility); James 4:6
The Depth: Jesus calls Simon to contemplate that he who is forgiven little, loves little. True worship requires an awareness of our need.
Historical and Theological Context:
- Failure of Hospitality: Simon’s omission of water, a kiss, and oil was a calculated insult, treating Jesus as a social inferior. The sinful woman provided all three, using tears, kisses, and expensive nard (worth a year’s wages).
- Self-Forgetfulness: Humility, as suggested by Lewis, is self-forgetfulness. The woman knew her spiritual bankruptcy and loved lavishly, while Simon felt he had little debt and thus loved little.
Challenging Questions:
- Do you see yourself as the “host” who is doing Jesus a favor, or the “sinner” who is desperate for His grace?
- Who are the “sinful women/men” in your community that you are looking down upon while Jesus is looking at them with love?