Luke 7:36-50
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This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Sinful Woman’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?
WARM-UP
- Can you recall a time when you have felt out of place in a social event or gathering?
- What attitude does Australian culture have towards sin and ʻthe sinnerʼ?
Read Luke 7:36-38
- What is so remarkable and surprising about Jesus going to eat at the house of the Pharisee?
- How is the woman described in the passage? What is your initial reaction to hearing someone being described in this way?
- What does she do for Jesus? Why does she do this? What has caused her to be overwhelmed with emotion?
- Can you remember when you first accepted Jesusʼ forgiveness? How did you react?
Read Luke 7:39-50
- How did the Pharisee react to this womanʼs actions? Why did he react in this way? What is Jesusʼ response?
- What is the meaning of this parable? If someone was to pay your electricity bill how would you react towards them? If someone was to pay off your housing loan, how would you react?
- How much have we been forgiven by Jesus? How then are we to act towards him?
- What are the differences between Simonʼs welcome of Jesus and that of the woman? What does this tell us about the condition of their hearts?
- What is the relationship between forgiveness and love? Should we sin more so that forgiveness may increase? Why/why not?
- Why is it so important to recall our sins and confess them to God? What does this achieve?
- How can we grow in our love and gratitude for who God is and what he has done for us?
APPLY: How can we live in a way that demonstrates how thankful we are for our forgiveness?
Prayer
Gracious Lord, you are our just and loving heavenly Father. Thank you that because of Jesusʼ death and resurrection we donʼt have to fear condemnation but can enjoy peace with you for eternity. We are sorry for when our lives donʼt reflect this. Help us to grow in our love for you and gratitude for all you have done. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- Audio: “Can I be raised from the dead” by Rico Rice
- Audio: “Jesus: An Example of Compassion” by Alistair Begg
- Audio: “Salvation and Death” by William Taylor
- Article: “5 Minute Jesus: How are we to view Jesusʼ Miracles” by Dr John Dickson
SERIES Resources:
- Series overview booklet
- Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
- Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
- Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
- St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series
