A W Tozer has written Perhaps the most

A. W. Tozer has written, Perhaps the most serious charge that can be brought against modern Christians is that we are not sufficiently in love with Christ. The Christ of fundamentalism is strong but hardly beautiful. It is rarely that we find anyone aglow with personal love for Christ.

The Scandal 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. [Luke 7: 37 -38]

- We are told the woman had lived a sinful life. - The oral tradition (the Law which the teachers had added to the Law of God) said that anyone who was touched by a “sinner” became unclean himself. - She let down her hair in public. - Her display of emotion was uncomfortable.

Criticism - “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner. ” [v. 39] Rebuke - Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

Grace Extended 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. ” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins? ” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace. ”[Luke 7: 48 -50]

First, note that Jesus grants forgiveness. Second, there is a caution. Applications: First, Jesus gives us an example to follow in relating to unbelievers.

The message is: If we are going to reach non-believers with the message of hope; if we are going to be obedient to God’s command to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”, then we must be willing to go where these people are.

Ask yourself some questions: Are you pushing someone away simply because of their reputation? Their income level (high or low)? Their criminal record? Their religious beliefs? The way they have treated you in the past?

A good question to ask is: Where would I be if Jesus treated me in this way? Second, there is a warning: We can show outward regard for Christ and still be unconverted.

Finally, this story is a picture of the effects of true conversion.

True love for Christ involves things such as: - Doing what is right not because it is the easiest thing to do but because it is what He has commanded us to do. - Serving in the shadows where no one sees what we are doing and telling no one - Choosing to honor Him (perhaps by helping someone else sacrificially) rather than indulging ourselves.

- Letting go of a hurt not because the other person deserves it but because Jesus has forgiven us. - Making significant and quality time for Him in our busy schedules.