We have been studying the account of Luke 7:36-50. We have already taken a look at the situation that arose, the illustration that Jesus told, and the application that he made to Simon's life. (you'll have to search the archives to read the last two blog entries if you want to catch up OR you could go to cleary.tv and watch) Today, let us see the invitation and its outcome. In verse 47-50 we read, Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Here we see the invitation and its outcome. The invitation was very shocking. It was shocking because the woman of the city was pronounced forgiven. It was shocking because the religious man of the city was not pronounced forgiven. Jesus' statement of forgiveness towards the woman provoked resentment from the religious crowd. In essence he is saying, you are forgiven, but you are not.
Every meal ever had with Pharisees ended up in rebellious unbelief. Self-righteousness is such a terrible, terrible kind of blindness. The most unredeemable of all is the one who thinks he's not a sinner and doesn't need redemption, who thinks that God is pleased with him the way he is. This is the worst of sinners. The worst kind of sin is the sin of self-righteousness, the assumption that you on your own can obtain a place in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus has orchestrated, in his sovereignty, this chain of events to awaken Simon to his lost and sinful condition. This then is a story of Jesus using a wretched sinner (a prostitute) to reach an even worse sinner (a self-righteous religious leader). The situation is clear, the illustration is clear, the application is clear, the invitation is dead. Why? Because Simon was sure that the situation, the illustration, the application could never apply to Him. God, help us never miss your message to us. God give us ears that hear and eyes that see and hearts that feel your conviction. Give us minds that are renewed, and lives that are transformed, and wills that are eager to repent at every instance of conviction from your Word and your Spirit. God, forbid that we be like Simon the Pharisee.
A LITTLE ASSIGNMENT: For those of you who would like to participate, I would like to ask for your input. Could you prepare for me a word picture of what you believe the ideal church would look like FROM GOD'S WORD. I am not looking for opinions. Rather, I am looking for a biblical picture of the ideal church. Write down for me that church's characteristics, DETAILS PLEASE, and get that back to me through email or by replying to this blog ASAP.
Also, what do you think Cleary should look like 10 years from now (attendance, $$, missions, ministry, buildings etc) if we stay in the center of God's will. I know these are some big assignments, but if you would like to take the time to put together something for me (us) it would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Until next time...
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