Lord’s Day, Vol. 8 No. 35

For She Loved Much

Luke 7:36-38 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 Jesussat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind himweeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe themwith the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed themwith the ointment.

CH Spurgeon observed well, “We are not informed as to how she came to know and love the Saviour. It may be that some gracious words of His had recalled her from a life of infamy and shame, which was fasting ending in misery and despair. Filled with deep repentance, and moved with holy reverence for her Lord, she brought the greatest treasure she possessed, and used it all for Him, standing behind Him in her bashfulness, washing His feet in her humility, weeping for penitence, kissing his feet for love, and unbraiding her tresses and using them as a towel, out of supreme devotion to Him, to whom she owed all. Happy woman, to be able thus to show her devout attachment to her Lord.”

This woman sets for us the example of unreserved devotion toward her Lord and Saviour. How precious indeed is the Lord and how we must love Him more and more!

Luke 7:39 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 isthat toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

He further observed, “He had never thought our Lord as he should have done, and now his respect quite fails. He could not think that any good man would allow such a woman to come so near to Him. Simon did not understand Jesus, but Jesus well enough understood Simon, and therefore spoke to him.”

Luke 7:40-43 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 themwith the hairs of her head.

What a wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ my Lord, what a wonderful Saviour from sin He sets me free, I will praise Him forever, faithful to death I’ll be, What a wonderful Saviour Jesus is to me! [John Sung Chorus]

Luke 7:45-47 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 sameloveth little.

CH Spurgeon observed insightfully, “Self-righteousness can never serve the same fashion as love. It does its duty in the formal style of force work, and not with the zest and delight of true affection. The attempt to save ourselves by our own merits never brings forth those emotions of entire devotion which arise from a sense of grace bestowed and sin pardoned. Are there not in our own case reasons for fervent love? He who writes this exposition feels that, above all men, he is bound to love his forgiving Master. Do not the same feelings occur to others?”

Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

“Indeed, her love brought her fresh token for good, another assurance of forgiveness. Gratitude for former favours is the sure method to obtain more.” [Spurgeon]

Luke 7:49-50 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

He did not take the trouble to  rebuke the impudent murmurers, but He persisted in consoling the loving penitent. He honoured her faith, and bade her go, with His peace resting upon her, for He did not wish her to be disturbed by cruel tongues. Learn hence how delighted Jesus is to forgive great sinners, since they bring Him great love in return, and see also how free His mercy is, since He frankly forgives those who have nothing to pay. [Spurgeon]

Love and grief my heart dividing,

With my tears his feet I’ll bathe,

Constant still in faith abiding,

Life deriving from His death.

Here it is I find my heaven,

While upon the cross I gaze.

Love I much? I’ve more forgiven;

I’m a miracle of grace.

[Spurgeon]

Praise God for the visit last Thursday to the elderly man who confessed the Lord two weeks ago. Thank God for granting him assurance of salvation.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any manpluck them out of my hand.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

You have loved me with an everlasting love. For while I was yet a sinner dead in trespasses and sins, Christ my Saviour died for me. He paid the awful price of blood that I might receive His life; and He clothed me with His eternal righteousness. Father in Heaven, I thank You that You chose me before the foundation of the world, and adopted me as Your child according to Your own will. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!

I thank You, O God, for my Saviour who saves me to the uttermost, from out of hell into an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for me. I thank You that I am kept by Your almighty power unto salvation and everlasting life, and no power or force on earth is able to pluck me out of Your hand. May I rest in this blessed assurance and follow You steadfastly to the end. I pray this through Christ my Lord. Amen.

[66 Pocket Prayers, Dr SH Tow, 23]

As he uttered this prayer together, it was also explained that God chose him to be His child, enabling him to acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour two weeks ago. May the Lord increase his faith daily as he is encouraged to read with his dear wife the Defined King James Bible presented to him. Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee