Understanding the Depth of Our Sin and the Magnitude of Jesus' Forgiveness

Good morning. I'm Stephen, the pastor of Community Life, one of the elders. It's always an honor and privilege to study God's word with you. Today, we embark on a journey to understand the depth of our sin and the magnitude of Jesus' forgiveness. This message is part of a 12-part sermon series exploring the invitations Christ extends to sinners and the unshakable promises God gives to those who belong to Him.

Are We Aware of Our Sin?

I've been trying to be more aware lately of how God is working in my life. When I'm driving, how do I react to other drivers? Where does my mind drift? Am I thinking about myself or am I thinking about others? And what am I listening to as I drive? Any guesses? No, I'll answer that for you. I'm often listening to music, and most of the time I try to sing along because there's no one that can hear me. I have a Spotify playlist called Praise Jesus, and one of the songs that I jam to is by King and Country called O God, Forgive Us.

One of the lines in the song always strikes a chord with my conscience: "Yes, we have ignored you so busy doing your work that we forgot that this was for you. Arms wide open to a homeless savior but arms crossed to a homeless neighbor. Oh, God, forgive us." This line makes me reflect on my actions and my heart. Do I see others with compassion and love, or do I judge them? Do I underestimate my sin and overestimate my righteousness?

Jesus' Invitation to Examine Our Hearts

In Luke 7:36-50, we find a powerful story that invites us to examine our hearts. Jesus is invited to a Pharisee's house for a meal. The Pharisees were known for their emphasis on ritual purity and kept themselves at a distance from those deemed unclean. As Jesus reclines at the table, a woman known in the city as a sinner approaches Him with an alabaster flask of ointment.

The Sinful Woman's Act of Love

Standing behind Jesus, the woman begins to weep, wetting His feet with her tears. She wipes His feet with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with the ointment. This act of love and devotion is a powerful display of her awareness of her sin and her need for forgiveness. She is fully aware of her unworthiness and her need for Jesus' grace.

Simon's Judgment and Jesus' Response

Simon, the Pharisee, is quick to judge both the woman and Jesus. He thinks to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." Jesus, knowing Simon's thoughts, responds with a parable about two debtors. One owed a large sum, and the other a smaller sum. Both debts were forgiven. Jesus asks Simon, "Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answers, "The one, I suppose, for whom he canceled the larger debt."

Jesus' Heart for Sinners

Jesus then turns to the woman and says to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment."

Jesus highlights the woman's extravagant love and devotion, which stem from her awareness of her sin and her need for forgiveness. He then says to her, "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Reflecting on Our Own Hearts

This story challenges us to reflect on our own hearts. Are we like the sinful woman, fully aware of our need for Jesus' forgiveness? Or are we like Simon, quick to judge others and unaware of our own sin? Jesus' invitation to forgiveness is open to all, but we must first recognize our need for it.

Questions for Reflection

• Have you expressed this kind of love for Jesus?
• Have you poured out your love to Him, thanking Him for your salvation?
• Have you put your faith in Jesus?
• Have you experienced a deep need for the forgiveness of your sins?
• Where do you feel most aware of your sin and unworthiness?
• Are we aware of how short we fall of the glory of God?

Application

Confess that you're not as good as you think you are and run to Jesus for sweet forgiveness. Delight yourself in King Jesus. Look to Him as the beautiful Savior of your soul. For those who have not surrendered their lives to Christ, He invites you to have your sins forgiven. The invitation is open. Confess you're not as good as you think you are. Repent of your sins and run to Jesus for sweet forgiveness.

Challenge for the Week

This week, take time to reflect on your need for Jesus' forgiveness. Confess your sins to Him and experience the freedom that comes from His grace. Let your awareness of your sin lead you to a greater love for Jesus. Remember, a greater awareness of forgiveness of sin leads to a greater love for Jesus.

Isn't that good news? Can I get an amen? Amen.