Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
Lessons in Forgiveness
Pastor George Stephens | May 18, 2025
“And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.” (Luke 7:37–38, ESV)
A Lesson in Forgiveness
The Characters
THE PHARISEE
~ Willing to know more – inviting Jesus to dinner
~ Willing to be taught –
“And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”” (Luke 7:40, ESV)
~ Contempt for the creation –
“Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”” (Luke 7:39, ESV)
~ Contempt for Jesus
* If this man were a prophet… -
So caught up in the pursuit of his definition of purity that he has missed the message
* The basics of hospitality -
“Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.” (Luke 7:44–46, ESV)
THE WOMAN
~ Willing to Give Extravagantly
~ Willing to Humble herself Publicly
~ Willing to Identify with Jesus Unequivocally
JESUS
~ Willing to Talk to Anyone
~ Willing to Receive Extravagance
~ Willing to Express His Deity
* By knowing Simon’s thoughts
* By knowing the woman’s Spiritual Condition
* By Knowing both the woman and the Pharisee as forgiven
* By Extending forgiveness
Questions:
!. Consider your hospitality toward Jesus. Is He welcomed and honored everywhere in your life? Is he an honored guest or just interference?
2. How much do you value your forgiveness? How extravagant have you been in expressing it?
3. Jesus extends forgiveness. Have you accepted it?
