Sunday Message for the Bilingual Brethren - 27 September 2020 : "The love and grace of Jesus"

Text: Luke 7:36-50
27 September 2020

The love and grace of Jesus

INTRODUCTION

1. We can find faith by learning about Jesus

a. His love for us
b. His grace towards us

2. Story of an unnamed woman (Luke 7:36-50)

a. How Jesus showed her
i. His love
ii. His grace
b. How she responded in faith and love to Jesus

THE ENCOUNTER WITH AN UNNAMED WOMAN

1. An unnamed woman

a. Described as a “sinner” (Luke 7:37)
b. Known among the people for the sinful lifestyle she kept

2. What the sinful woman did

a. She entered Simon the Pharisee’s house unannounced (Luke 7:37)
b. She came to Jesus weeping (Luke 7:37-38)
c. She performed a special deed for Jesus (b)
i. Washed His feet with her tears
ii. Wiped His feet with her hair
iii. Kissed His feet and anointed them with fragrant oil

THE CONDEMNATION OF SIMON THE PHARISEE

1. Disdain for the woman (Luke 7:39)

a. That she was a sinner
b. That she was unclean
c. That she was unworthy to touch anyone

2. Despised Jesus too (Luke 7:39)

a. Looked down on Jesus for letting the woman touch Him in this manner
b. Did not think Jesus is a prophet because He had allowed her to touch Him

THE LOVE AND GRACE OF JESUS TO THE WOMAN

1. He accepted her

a. He did not condemn her for being a sinner
b. He did not reject her special deed for Him
c. His silence was an expression of His acceptance of her!

2. He understood her

a. He recognised her actions as acts of love in front of all (Luke 7:43-46)
b. He explained her love was a response to being forgiven of many sins  (Luke 7:47)

3. He assured her

a. That her sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48)
b. That her faith has saved her (Luke 7:50)
c. That she can go in peace (Luke 7:50)

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US ALL

1. Believe that Jesus loves us and is gracious to us

a. He offers us forgiveness of sins
b. He will accept us if we confess and repent of our sins
c. He understands the acts that we do for Him
d. He assures us that we are saved and we can live in peace

2. Come to Jesus in faith

a. We need not be afraid that He will reject us
b. We can turn to Him for the forgiveness of sin
c. We can trust that He will lovingly and graciously receive us

3. Love Him in response to His love and grace through our actions