Sermon Cloud

The Evidence Of Forgiveness Luke 7:36-50

I. (36-39) Observed By A Contrast Of Two People

In this interaction we see the evidence of forgiveness.

In the woman we see some key elements of her forgiveness: worship, devotion, service, adoration, which can be defined by one word—love.

A. An Explanation Of The Culture

1. The Way Guests Were Greeted

2. The Way Guests Were Seated

3. The Way Outsiders Were Included

B. An Introduction To The Pharisees

1. A Look At Their Response To Jesus So Far                                 Paraletic Man Let Down Through Roof

Lk 5:20-21 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” Lk 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

2. A Look At Their Continued Reaction

3. An Evaluation Of Their Problem

C. A Brief Discussion Of Sinners

1. A Brief Evaluation Of This Woman

2. A Brief Explanation Of The Problem of Sin

3. An Honest Estimation Of Our Own Sin

II. (40-43) Illustrated By A Parable Of Two Debtors

In this illustration we learn the clear evidence of a forgiven life. Jesus teaches that the degree of love towards God is directly proportionate to our understanding of His grace and mercy for our sin.

A. The Two Debtors

1. 500 Denarii

In the parable of the laborers we learn a denarii was a days wage for a laborer. So 500 denarii was about a year and one half worth of wages for a laborer.

2. 50 Denarii

B. The Merciful Creditor

1. He Freely Forgave Them Both

2. He Seems To Be More Interested In People Than Money

C. The Meaning Of The Parable

1. The Debtors Represent Everyday People

2. The Creditor Represents God

3. The Debt Represents Sin

4. The Love Is Proportionate To The Forgiven Debt

III. (44-46) Demonstrated By The Actions Of Two Sinners

A. The Actions Of The Woman Were Worship

1. Washed

2. Kissed

3. Annointed

B. The Actions of Simon Was Spiritual Pride

1. No Water For Feet

2. No Kiss

3. No Anointing of Head

IV. (47-50) Declared By The Clear Teaching Of God's Word

A. As This Passage Narrates For us

1. (47) Her Sins, Which Are Many, Are Forgiven

Is 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Is 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Is 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

2. (Romans 5:1-2) Peace With God First

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Ro 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, Ro 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

B. As The Response From Others Demonstrate For Us

1. Example: The Apostle Paul

1 Co 15:9-10 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1 Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2. Example: King David Saved For Temple

3. Example: People Today Serving God

C. As (Bible verse(s)) Explain As well

1. King David - Psalm 116:16-17

Ps 116:16-17 O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. Ps 116:17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the Lord.

2. The Profound Greeting At The End Of The Book Of Ephesians

Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

3. Philippians 1:9-11

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, Php 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, Php 1:11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

4. 1st John 3:18, 4:17-21

1 John 3:18-19 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.  And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

1 Jonn 4:17-21 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 Jn 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us. 1 Jn 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1 Jn 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.