WHAT TO DO
When you don’t know what to do?

Keep on Serving (Pt. 3)

IT IS LOGICAL

Introductory statement #1: Logic tells us that it is reasonable to serve Jesus Christ. Before Paul explained the various serving gifts in Romans 12 and prior to expounding on the levels of Christian commitment Paul shared a bit of spiritual logic. He said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).Paul’s entire argument for service is based on the truth of our salvation.He urged the believer to yield his life on the premis of “the mercies of God.” Notice Paul’s logic. Since Jesus provided salvation for all men, it is only reasonable that we present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice. This is a rather solid argument.

Introductory statement #2: Jesus agreed with Paul’s line of reasoning. For instance, Jesus taught this same truth when He shared the parable of the creditor and the two debtors (Luke 7:36-47). He taught that the believer’s love and service would be in proportion to their understanding God’s forgiveness. The love and forgiveness of Christ should constrain us to serve Him.In this parabolic teaching,Jesus places the love of Simon the Pharisee next to the love of this sinner woman and makes a comparison.In verse 46, Jesus asked the thesis question,“tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” In order to answer this query we must examine the parable and compare the love of Simon with this sinner woman.

Introductory statement #3: Using allegorical language, Jesus illustrated that man is spiritually bankrupt and is debtor to the creditor (Jesus). The two debtors (Simon and this woman) had nothing to pay and were unable of clearing their debt (v.42). In grace and mercy the creditor forgave them both and absorbed the loss. The premise of this parable is located at the close of verse 42, “tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” Jesus used this metaphor to compare the love of Simon with this sinner woman. The person who is forgiven the most will love the most and vice versa (v. 43). If you are forgiven a small amount, your love will be expressed in a small way (v. 47).Jesus made His point by setting the love of Simon next to the love of this sinner woman. In reality he pealed away the layers of hypocrisy and exposed Simon’s heart.

I.Notice the love of Simon. His love was expressed in three ways.

1.First of all, his love was cold (vv. 44-46).Just how cold was his love? When Jesus entered the home of Simon there was no water for His feet (v. 44). He ignored the cultural courtesy of washing the dirty feet of Jesus who came as a guest to his home. Additionally, he ignored the customary kiss of salutation (v. 45).Plus, he did not anoint the head of Christ with the ointment (v. 46). Please notice that Simon wasn’t engaged in activity that was considered wrong or sinful. However, it was his inactivity that was wrong. He was cold, callous and aloof while hosting Christ as a guest in his home.The rudeness and impolite manners of Simon revealed disrespect and contempt.

2.Simon’s love was condemning (v. 39). Simon not only questioned the wisdom of Jesus but He described this woman as a notorious sinner. In a rather accusatory tone he condemned the wickedness of this woman, yet he could not see his own sinfulness. He could point out the faults of this woman, but he would not admit his own guilt. Things haven’t changed much in the contemporary church. The Pharisaical brethren are quick to point out the faults of others while ignoring their own sin.

3.Simon’s love was conversational (vv. 44-46). Simon was involved in chatting while this sinner woman was engaged in action. As we explore the context of this passage, the silence and activity of this woman speaks at an extreme level of intensity.Even though she did not say a single word her actions demonstrated a genuine love for Christ.I guess you could say, “Her actions spoke louder than her words.”On the other hand, Simon was involved in talking and did absolutely nothing. He gave“no” water “no” kiss and “no” ointment. He was like the average believer in the average church in America. He was known for what he did not do. How many times do we hear the legalist boast, “I don’t go to movies. I don’t smoke. I don’t swear.I don’t drink. I don’t dip. I don’t spit in the sink.” They are known for the things they do not do. Well? What do you do? Do you love Christ? Do you study your Bible? Do you pray? Some believers are known for all the things they are against! But what are you for? The question in verse 42 reverberates, “which of them will love him most?” We have examined the cold, condemning, and convenient love of Simon the Pharisee.

II.Notice the love of the sinner woman. It is quite obvious from the context of this passage that a comparison is being made between the love of Simon the Pharisee and the love of this woman. Jesus began His comparison by saying, “And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman (v. 44)? Christ wanted Simon to see the example of this woman. Notice the three key phrases that exaggerates this comparison. Each phrase provides a comparison transition.

1.The first key phrase is found in verse 44, “but she.” She washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and her hair. She gave her hair to Christ to be used as a towel to clean His feet.

2.The second comparison phrase is found in verse 45. “But this woman” showered the feet of Jesus with unceasing kisses. Not just a single salutation kiss on the check, but continuous kisses on His feet.

3.The third comparison phrase is found in verse 46. “But this woman” anointed the feet of Jesus.Her deeds of love went beyond common courtesy and became extravagant! She could have used water, but instead she used her tears. She could have girded a towel about her to wipe the feet of Jesus,but instead she used her beautiful flowing hair. It would have been proper to exchange the usual salutation kiss on the cheek, however she incessantly kissed the feet of Jesus. It would have been very gracious to anoint the head of Christ with oil, but instead in a rather spontaneous fashion, though unsolicited, she lavishes expensive ointment on Him.

All three transitional phrases help us measure the woman’s love next to Simon’s love.In the strictest sense this is the definition of a parable.The placing side by side for the sake of comparison. Christ made it clear that He was comparing the love of the Pharisee with the love of this sinner woman. Now He goes directly to the heart of the parable and makes an astonishing declaration. Jesus said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little” (v.47). In this declaration Jesus revealed to Simon the Pharisee that this sinner woman’s love was greater because she understood the incredible forgiveness that she had received.

III.What do we learn from this parable?

1.First of all,we learn that salvation is free,but it’s not cheap.It cost Jesus His life! This parable teaches that the depth of one’s love is measured by his comprehension of the amazing forgiveness of Christ.

2.Secondly, we learn that understanding the price of forgiveness will not permit us to bring a cheap mode of worship to Christ. On the contrary! Understanding the sacrifice of Christ demands an extravagant worship for Him.

3.Finally, we need to learn that worship,praise and adoration is offered in proportion to how the believer views his forgiveness.

Conclusion

Jesus shared this parable with one purpose in mind. To expose the cold, religious heart of Simon the Pharisee. Jesus took the devotion of a sinner and compared it to the love of Simon. He forced him to answer this thought provoking question,“which of them will love him most?” The answer is obvious! When the believer truly comprehends the grace and forgiveness of Christ he will be motivated to serve Him. Our passion for Jesus is a direct result of understanding what Christ has done for us.What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Keep on serving! We must serve Him! The motto of every child of God should be “saved to serve.” Since He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings we must worship Him. How often we forget that our life is His life. Furthermore, we must serve Him because we were created for His good pleasure. When the believer discovers his purpose in the body, the church is edified. May we use our spiritual gifts for His glory.