April 10
Lesson 6
SHAMELESS FAITH
DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 13
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Luke 7:36–50
LUKE 7:36–50
36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most?
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
KEY VERSE
I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
—Luke 7:47
THE GIFT OF FAITH
Unit 2: Restorative Faith
LESSONS 5–8
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the account of Jesus’ anointing by a sinful woman.
2. Compare what the woman did for Jesus and what Jesus said Simon failed to do with modern expressions of devotion to Christ.
3. Role-play the scenario of today’s text in a modern setting.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Shameful Behavior, Shameless Faith
B. Lesson Background
I. The Saint and the Sinner (LUKE 7:36–39)
A. Pharisee’s House (v. 36)
B. Woman’s Actions (vv. 37, 38)
Grateful Response
C. Pharisee’s Thoughts (v. 39)
II. The Two Debtors (LUKE 7:40–43)
A. Probing Question (vv. 40–42)
B. Correct Answer (v. 43)
III. Faith That Saves (LUKE 7:44–50)
A. Proof of Change (vv. 44–47)
B. Declarations by Jesus (vv. 48–50)
Modeling Grace
Conclusion
A. What Would You Do?
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Corinthians Ko-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).
Pharisees Fair-ih-seez.
Thessalonians Thess-uh-lo-nee-unz (th as in thin).
______________________________________________________What Do You Think?
How does the cost and nature of the woman’s gift speak, if at all, to what our own giving should be like?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding the motive (Matthew 5:14–16; 6:1–4; John 12:3–8; Acts 5:1–11; etc.)
■ Regarding the amount (Matthew 2:11; Mark 12:41–44; 1 Corinthians 16:2; etc.)
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
What can we do to ensure that physical contact with another is appropriate to the context?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ When others are present
■ When others are not present
______________________________________________________
Visual for Lessons 6 & 11. Point to this visual to introduce your discussion of verse 47.
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
What are some ways to ensure that we welcome Jesus into our homes in the best way possible?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding what is heard in our homes
■ Regarding what is seen in our homes
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
What can churches do to ensure a proper balance in communicating God’s willingness to forgive as well as His disapproval of sin?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In worship services
■ In what the church leaders model
■ In curriculum selection
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
What difference does having the peace of God’s forgiveness make in your life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ When you look at your past
■ As you look to the future
______________________________________________________
Thatcher, Tom et al. “Shameless Faith.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 279. Print.
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