Prostitute
Luke 7:36-50
Originally scheduled for April 16
Simon, the Pharisee in the story, is a respectable man. He has
invited the upcoming young rabbi, Jesus, to lunch. Without really
thinking about it, he thinks Jesus shares his opinions in various
matters.
· Jesus should
certainly be able to see that the lady is a prostitute, both by her
dress and by the fact that she lets her hair down in public (a
social taboo of the time.)
·
From that expensive alabaster vase Jesus could easily tell this is
not a prostitute who does it out of desperation. Her motive is not
feeding her baby girl, but the good things money can buy.
·
Simon also expects the Jesus will condemn the sin of prostitution,
which he does.
So far, Jesus seems to be quite the respectable
person himself. And surely a respectable person would condemn not
only the sin, but the blatant sinner, right?
Notice the
distinction: prostitution is not respectable but the prostitute is
accepted, indeed forgiven. The question is not one of law and
morality but one of love — and God loves the repentant sinner.
Communion is a reminder of that. It is a reminder of God’s great
love for the world, including the repentant sinners. It reminds us
of the price that Christ paid for the atonement of our sins. He bled
and died that we might be forgiven, taken into his own church and
kept as one of his dear sons and daughters. We are reminded that God
loves the repentant sinner — and that includes everyone in this
room.
So as you partake of communion this morning, remember
these things:
· See in
the elements, the bread and the cup, the physical sacrifice made by
our Lord that we might be forgiven.
·
Examine yourself and see if you are in need of repentance. He
commands this so that you will do it regularly.
·
Then depart from this place knowing that God loves you. You are his
child, welcome in his home. Yes, even you.
