Jesus welcomes the people others reject.

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. —Luke 7:37

By pouring out her perfume, she was choosing to change the direction of her life.

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.” —Luke 7:36-39

Jesus is showing Simon that he and the woman have the same problem.

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, and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay himback, 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. —Luke 7:40-43

Understanding the Gospel and receiving God’s grace transforms us.

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.” —Luke 7:47-48

Receiving God’s grace leads to…

• Extravagant worship.
  -Lord, I choose to be grateful for what You did for me.

• Simple humility.
  -Lord, I choose to be compassionate toward people – all people.

• Overwhelming generosity.
  -Lord, I choose to live sacrificially.

Who is this?

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.” —Luke 7:49-50

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It
Few things in life are more frustrating than knowing you need to change and trying to change but not actually changing. God’s grace gives us the power to change and live the life He created us to live. Our response to the gracious gift of the Gospel of grace is to live surrendered to God in extravagant worship, simple humility, and overwhelming generosity.

Luke 7:36-50

Purple Book, review:

• What did you learn about the Holy Spirit from chapter four of the Purple Book?

• Have you asked to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How have you seen the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life?

Sermon questions:

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
• Read Luke 7:37-39. What was it about Jesus that made the woman approach Jesus so boldly?
• Read Luke 7:40-43. Which of the “debtors” do you most identify with? Why? What should we do instead of comparing ourselves with others and justifying, minimizing and making excuses for our sin?
• Read Luke 7:47-50. Extravagant worship, simple humility, and overwhelming generosity are responses to the grace of God in our lives. Which one do you feel challenged to cultivate in a greater way? What would that look like?
• Who is Jesus to you? Who do you know that needs to hear the message of the Gospel of grace? What step can you take to invite them to our Easter services?

Take a Step

• Reflect on who Jesus is and what His grace means for you. Trust God for the opportunity to share this good news with someone this week.

Here’s My Prayer
Father, thank You for never making me feel left out or unwelcome. You love me and have invited me to be a part of Your family for all time. Help me to embrace Your acceptance and extend it to the people in my life. As I receive Your Gospel of grace, may my life be marked by extravagant worship, simple humility, and overflowing generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.