Grace Culture

Scripture References: Luke 7:36-50; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 18:32-33

Intro: Good morning. Following our series on grace, today we explore its connection to worship through a powerful encounter in Luke 7. We often create palatable "caricatures" of Jesus, missing His radical grace. This story contrasts religious self-righteousness with extravagant love born from recognizing deep forgiveness.

Key Points:

1. The Scene: Pharisee vs. Sinner (vv. 36-39): Jesus dines with Simon, a Pharisee (likely using Jesus for status). A "woman of the city" (a known sinner) enters. While Simon neglects basic hospitality (water, kiss, oil), the woman lavishly washes Jesus' feet with tears, hair, kisses, and expensive ointment – demonstrating deep repentance and adoration. Simon judges both her actions and Jesus' acceptance.
2. The Parable: Debt, Forgiveness, Love (vv. 40-43): Jesus tells a story of two debtors – one owes much, one little. Both debts are canceled. He asks Simon, "Which will love [the lender] more?" Simon correctly answers, "The one... forgiven more."
3. The Point: Forgiven Much = Loves Much (vv. 44-47): Jesus contrasts Simon's lack of honor with the woman's extravagant love. Her actions aren't earning forgiveness but responding to it (or the hope of it). "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for [because] she loved much." Conversely, "He who is forgiven little loves little." Awareness of our great debt canceled by God fuels great love for God.
4. The Declaration: Faith Saves (vv. 48-50): Jesus explicitly forgives the woman ("Your sins are forgiven"), causing onlookers to question His authority (missing that He is God). He then affirms, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Her loving actions were expressions of her faith and repentance.
5. The Offense of Grace: This story highlights the gospel's offense: God welcomes and forgives those deemed "unworthy" (sinners) based on His grace received through their faith, not based on moral performance. Those relying on self-righteousness (Pharisees) often miss it. Salvation is a gift (Eph 2:8-9). Our only claim is "the man on the middle cross said I could come."
6. Grace Transforms: True grace doesn't lead to license but to transformation, repentance (like the woman turning from her old life, symbolized by breaking the ointment jar), and extravagant worship.

Conclusion: Our capacity to love and worship God deeply is directly related to our awareness of how much He has forgiven us in Christ. Recognizing our massive, unpayable debt canceled freely by His grace frees us from self-righteousness and releases extravagant gratitude, love, and devotion.

Call to Action: Who is the biggest sinner you know? If it's not yourself, ask God for a revelation of your own need for His grace. Meditate on the cross – the immense cost Jesus paid to cancel your debt. Let gratitude well up. Respond like the woman – pour out your love and worship at His feet, holding nothing back.

radiantvisalia.com
Grace Culture (Luke 7:36-50)
with Bryan Mowrey