Forgiveness

June 15^th 2013

Opening Hymns:
513 Soldiers of Christ Arise http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh513.sht

Scripture Reading:
Luke 7:36-8:3

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

³⁶ When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. ³⁷ A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. ³⁸ As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
³⁹ When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
⁴⁰ Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
⁴¹ “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,^[a] and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
⁴³ Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
⁴⁴ Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷ Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
⁴⁹ The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
⁵⁰ Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ² and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Message:
What does it mean to you to be forgiven? Do we show the same gratitude as the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet? It is no hidden fact that we all make mistakes and sin in our lifetime. This scripture reminds me of the importance of recognizing the sin, feeling truly and deeply sorry for it, and asking and accepting forgiveness.

Because we are all in this state of sin we should recognize that all other people are also children of God. They also may fall into sin. Unlike the Pharisee in this scripture we must not judge them and their sins. We must instead learn to be forgiving as well. In the New Testament Jesus teaches us about how to love one another. He teaches us what a sin is, and shows us true forgiveness of all our sins. Through prayer and study we can learn and grow closer to God so that we may forgive others as we are forgiven.  

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, please forgive us when we sin, help us accept the forgiveness you so kindly have given to all of us. Let us grow closer to you in our actions, thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us be a light to others as You have been a light to us. Let us show them Your love and Your forgiveness that are open to all who call on Your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
545 The Church’s One Foundation http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh545.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God