Sunday, June 28
Read: Luke 7
Somebody look up and read Hebrews 11:1
What does faith look like to you? When have you had to practice such great faith, putting your trust in people? In God?
This chapter is all about faith. Faith for healing, for salvation, the raising of a dead man brought to life and to believe Jesus is who He says He is. This chapter as well is full of amazing stories of Jesus’ works, power and authority.
Here we see Jesus as healer, a breaker of social barriers, forgiver of sins, teacher, compassionate and worthy to be praised. Not only that but the Centurion and the sinful woman both recognized their unworthiness to even be in the presence of Jesus because of thier faith of who he was.
Speaking of the sinful woman let’s look at her story a bit deeper. Recall with the group the story of the sinful woman in verses 36-50.
A little history lesson. Jesus is at a Pharisees house for dinner. What was a sinful woman doing there? How did she even get in? Well, apparently it was common to allow access to a house in which a teacher figure was at. But it was her approach to Jesus that caused for alarm in the Pharisees minds. This lady was notorious for sin. The Pharisees knew who she was and was appaled at her presence and actions. But they were even more appaled at Jesus’ response to this ladies actions.
This woman, out of her deep love for Jesus and who He was caused her to act in such a way. She knew her sins would be forgiven because of her faith in Him. In verses 37 and 38 it states that she washes his feet with her tears, dries them with her hair and then pours an alabaster jar full of perfume on his feet. A little strange right? Well, this was a HUGE symbol of her love and devotion to Jesus. So, let’s go even deeper. An empty alabaster jar was given to a girl when she became of age to wed. It was customary for that girl to fill the jar with expensive perfume to present to her husband on their wedding day. She would pour the perfume on his feet as a sign of respect and servant hood! This jar was an extravagant gift, probably the most expensive possession she owned, and she chose to give it to Jesus, a man she would never marry, but shows her love and devotion to Him as she would have a husband.
In response Jesus forgives her, stating, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” He knows exactly what she is doing and lets her do it while the Pharisees question him.
Process:
-This gift of the perfume is symbolic of giving to Jesus everything we have and everything we are. Are there things in your life you are holding back from giving to Jesus? Why? Do you really believe that faith in Him can save you?
-We read about a couple amazing miracles Jesus performed: healing of the centurion servant and the raising of the widow’s son. Have you witnessed or even experienced a miracle like this? If so, tell us about it. If not, have you ever asked for a miracle? Do you believe God still does miracles today? Why or why not?