The Scandal of Forgiveness | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Luke 7:36-50 explores the significance of tables as places where life-changing encounters with Jesus occur. The passage tells the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus’ feet at a Pharisee’s house, contrasting two different responses to Christ. Simon the Pharisee represents the table of pride and self-righteousness, while the woman represents the table of peace and forgiveness. The key message is that our awareness of our own sinfulness directly correlates to our love for Christ – the more we understand our desperate need for salvation, the more we will love our Savior. Jesus uses a parable about two debtors to illustrate that those who recognize their great debt of sin will love their forgiver more than those who think they owe little.
The sermon emphasizes that salvation comes by faith alone, not by the amount of sin committed, as all people are equally separated from God by their sinful nature. The woman’s breaking of the alabaster jar symbolizes her complete repentance and turning from her old life to new life in Christ. Despite being uninvited and unwelcome due to her reputation, Jesus welcomes her to His table, demonstrating that no past sin can prevent someone from coming to Christ. This story connects to the Lord’s Supper as a reminder that all believers were once in the same position as this woman – lost sinners who have been welcomed to Christ’s table through faith.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be humble and receptive to Your truth, even when it challenges us or makes us uncomfortable. Lord, we pray that You would show us the depth of our own need for You and help us to see Jesus more clearly through this passage. May Your Holy Spirit guide our discussion and draw us closer to You and to one another. We ask that You would speak to each person here in the way they need to hear from You today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite meal to share with family or friends, and what makes that time around the table special to you?
Key Verses
Luke 7:36-50
Romans 3:23-26
Questions
What do you think motivated Simon the Pharisee to invite Jesus to his house? What might his expectations have been?
How do you think the woman found the courage to enter Simon’s house and approach Jesus, knowing she would face judgment and criticism?
In the parable of the two debtors, Jesus teaches that the one forgiven more will love more. How does this principle apply to our relationship with Christ?
Simon could clearly see the woman’s sin but was blind to his own. Why is it often easier to judge others’ sins than to recognize our own?
The sermon mentioned that we are not sinners because we commit sins, but we commit sins because we are sinners. How does this understanding change your view of yourself and others?
What does the woman’s breaking of the alabaster jar symbolize, and what might you need to ‘break’ or leave behind to fully follow Jesus?
Jesus told the woman ‘your faith has saved you, go in peace.’ What is the difference between having peace with circumstances and having peace with God?
How does understanding the depth of our sin and the height of Christ’s holiness lead to greater worship and love for Jesus?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas of pride or self-righteousness in your heart. Practice the discipline of confession – both acknowledging your sin before God and expressing gratitude for His forgiveness. Consider having a meaningful conversation around your dinner table with family or friends about God’s grace and forgiveness in your life.
Key Takeaways
Tables are significant places where life-changing encounters with Jesus can occur
There are two tables represented: the table of pride and self-righteousness versus the table of peace and forgiveness
The more we understand our sinfulness and Christ’s holiness, the more we will love our Savior
Salvation comes by faith alone, not by the amount of sin committed – all people are equally separated from God
No past sin or reputation can prevent someone from coming to Christ’s table if they come by faith
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for this time together studying Your Word and being reminded of Your amazing grace. Help us to leave here with hearts that are more aware of our need for You and more grateful for the forgiveness we have in Christ. May we be people who welcome others to Your table just as You have welcomed us. Give us courage to break whatever needs to be broken in our lives so we can follow You more fully. Help us to live this week with the peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and we have a place at Your table. Transform our hearts to love You more as we understand Your holiness and our need for grace. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.