I Do, but Do I? - Part 5 [Notes]

The institution of marriage seems to be falling out of favor in our culture today. With the high divorce rate and the prevalence of unhappy marriages, many wonder, “Why bother?” No marriage will be perfect, but understanding God’s design for marriage and the Biblical keys needed to make it work can make all the difference.  

Join us for “I Do, but Do I?,” a series about marriage that of us can benefit from because the qualities needed to make a strong marriage are  the same ones needed to develop good relationships in general.

Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.
– Luke 7:36-38 (HCSB)

“Jesus lay supported on His left arm with His head turned towards the table, upon a pillow, and His feet were turned outward to where the attendants stood.”
– De Wette

Her presence was not unusual for when a Rabbi was invited to someone’s house, others could stop by and listen to the conversation.
– J.A.Martin

When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”
– Luke 7:39 (HCSB)

Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “say it.” “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. Turning to 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, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”
– Luke 7:36-47 (HCSB)

Five hundred denarii would be approximately one and a half years’ wages. Fifty denarii would be about two months’ wages.
– R.H. Stein

When we extend forgiveness to others, we cultivate love.

Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why  she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”
– Luke 7:47 (HCSB)

The woman was not forgiven because of her love; rather, she loved because she was forgiven. Her faith brought her salvation.
– J.A. Martin

Because of this conduct I tell you (that) her many sins have been forgiven, as is evidenced by the fact that she loved much
– I.H. Marshall

Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
– Luke 7:48-50 (HCSB)

Either then Jesus was a blaspheming deceiver, or He is God manifest in the flesh.
– R. Jamieson

Jesus is understood as exercising a divine prerogative and personally announcing…that the woman’s sins were forgiven.
– R.H. Stein

When we extend forgiveness to others, we cultivate love. 

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.
– Colossians 3:12-14 (HCSB)

You Keep Hope Alive // Trust in God // Holy Forever // Worthy of My Song

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