WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.900 So today we conclude our series that we've called Meeting Jesus. 00:00:06.960 --> 00:00:12.580 ! And over the last six weeks, we have seen Jesus engage with a variety of people, 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:17.920 ! coming to him with many questions, different challenges, varying circumstances. 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:24.960 ! And today, as we've just heard, Jesus meets and is anointed by a woman. 00:00:24.960 --> 00:00:31.359 And it's an encounter which is actually recorded in all four Gospels. 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:36.660 And when you have a story that's recorded multiple times in the Bible, 00:00:37.140 --> 00:00:40.140 it's worth noticing not only that it might be significant, 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:44.679 but also the subtle differences in the way that it's described. 00:00:45.480 --> 00:00:50.820 As these can throw a light on what the writer is hoping to kind of draw your attention to. 00:00:50.820 --> 00:00:57.060 And here, as we've just heard, it's in Luke's Gospel, the account that he wrote. 00:00:57.899 --> 00:01:02.120 And there, the focus actually is not so much on the woman, although we do meet her, 00:01:02.859 --> 00:01:09.180 it's in fact on the host of the banquet who receives much of Jesus' attention. 00:01:10.939 --> 00:01:17.060 And the first thing that we discover about this host is that he is a Pharisee. 00:01:17.060 --> 00:01:22.900 Now, I've always felt that the Pharisees get a bit of bad press. 00:01:24.120 --> 00:01:27.180 Now, if we're not too careful, they become the sort of pantomime villains of the Bible. 00:01:27.379 --> 00:01:29.939 Boo, hiss, you know, whenever they enter. 00:01:31.340 --> 00:01:36.840 Now, the Pharisees were a group of religious leaders in and around the time of Jesus. 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:40.140 And they sought to uphold the teachings of Israel. 00:01:40.140 --> 00:01:44.379 And if you think about it, in the context of Roman oppression, 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:53.299 they would have been encouraging the worship of Yahweh instead and against the ways of Rome and the ways of Caesar. 00:01:54.439 --> 00:01:59.659 And so the Pharisees, they stood as sort of pillars of distinctiveness for the people of Israel, 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:05.859 encouraging them to live by the laws that were given to their ancestors rather than by anything else. 00:02:05.859 --> 00:02:12.180 And the Pharisees, in contrast to the Sadducees, who I believe you met one of those a few weeks ago, 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:15.879 they were another ruling religious group. 00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:20.560 The Pharisees weren't so much interested in the institution of the temple and all its politics. 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:26.240 They just wanted to see people's hearts aligned to the word of God. 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:31.860 In many ways, they were the Bible-teaching vicars of their day. 00:02:31.860 --> 00:02:35.080 And I've therefore always had a soft spot for them. 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:41.320 And this particular Pharisee was hosting a meal to which he had invited Jesus. 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:48.360 And as you read through the Gospels, you'll realise that Jesus is not all that together well received 00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:50.780 by other religious leaders and Pharisees. 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:54.220 And so this Pharisee has really kind of stepped out. 00:02:54.219 --> 00:03:02.020 He's gone beyond the normal, taken a social and a status risk to invite Jesus to his home. 00:03:02.560 --> 00:03:03.740 Brownie points to him. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:04.599 Well done. 00:03:05.860 --> 00:03:09.819 And to top it all, this Pharisee is called Simon. 00:03:11.579 --> 00:03:12.680 What a guy. 00:03:13.860 --> 00:03:15.300 Shouldn't we all be like him? 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:22.320 Well, it turns out Jesus has something he needs to teach, Simon. 00:03:23.260 --> 00:03:29.840 In fact, when I sat down with this passage a couple of weeks ago to start my preparation in earnest, 00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:30.900 I read it through. 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:36.260 And when I got to verse 42, I couldn't help feel that God was speaking directly to me. 00:03:36.780 --> 00:03:40.660 Jesus said, Simon, I have something to tell you. 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:44.599 And it turns out he does. 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:51.519 And as you'll soon find out, this actually has had a huge impact on me as I've studied it. 00:03:52.280 --> 00:03:57.519 Because as soon as we'll soon discover, this encounter with both Simon the Pharisee 00:03:57.519 --> 00:04:05.060 and the woman who anoints Jesus, it will help us understand why some people come to church, 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:07.780 they may be very involved, they might even wear a dog collar, 00:04:07.780 --> 00:04:11.900 yet they're quite distant and they're judgmental. 00:04:13.379 --> 00:04:16.579 And their lives seem to be unaffected by worship. 00:04:17.220 --> 00:04:20.500 And they make people around them feel worse rather than better. 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:23.240 Perhaps you know some people like that. 00:04:23.879 --> 00:04:29.399 And yet there are others who come to worship and they are transformed by Jesus. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:32.720 They live lives of generous love. 00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:34.439 They're authentic people. 00:04:34.519 --> 00:04:35.279 They're sacrificial. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:36.079 They're warm. 00:04:36.079 --> 00:04:39.659 And they worship with abandonment and with passion. 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:44.459 Now, I don't know about you, but I want to be more like the latter. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:48.139 But I know I have plenty of traits of the former. 00:04:50.699 --> 00:04:58.060 You see, the Simon of this passage, a bit like this Simon, has always tried his best. 00:04:58.060 --> 00:05:03.780 My upbringing was one of compliance. 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:05.259 I'll say it like that. 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:10.139 Well behaved, good manners, always regarded as mature for my age. 00:05:12.060 --> 00:05:19.980 Yet, in hindsight, there was a big shadow side to this perfectly middle class way of being raised. 00:05:19.980 --> 00:05:25.939 There's quite a lot of motivation to behave based on pride. 00:05:27.240 --> 00:05:32.120 You know, I wasn't to be like such and such or behave in such and such a way. 00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:36.660 Because reading between the lines, that would bring shame on our family. 00:05:36.780 --> 00:05:38.160 We don't go that low. 00:05:38.160 --> 00:05:43.100 In fact, you're best keeping away from those types of people and what they do. 00:05:44.320 --> 00:05:48.340 And that's the best strategy, really, for living life. 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:54.140 And so when I look back, a lot of my behavior was driven by fear. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:56.340 Fear of going it wrong. 00:05:56.960 --> 00:05:58.180 Fear of letting people down. 00:05:58.180 --> 00:06:04.400 And of course, the Bible provides plenty of fodder to support that kind of motivation in life. 00:06:04.540 --> 00:06:05.840 You know, there's plenty of rules to keep. 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:08.920 There's plenty of fear-mongering that you can use and utilize. 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:16.300 But something was, and to a certain extent still is, lacking. 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:21.740 And what is lacking is revealed in this encounter. 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:27.860 Because as I said, Simon has gone out of his way to host a banquet to which Jesus is invited. 00:06:29.079 --> 00:06:34.860 But into this banquet enters a woman who was not on Simon's guest list. 00:06:37.680 --> 00:06:43.379 Now, this day and age, it might be a little bit difficult to imagine what this banquet might look like. 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:47.139 No doubt Simon had a bit of a fair-sized property. 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:53.060 And the banquet space would have been open and his guests would have reclined at low tables. 00:06:53.060 --> 00:06:59.519 And so when this woman enters, she would have found Jesus reclining. 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:04.360 And we're told that she stands behind him, weeping. 00:07:05.220 --> 00:07:09.980 Weeping so much that tears fall onto Jesus' feet. 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:13.020 And then she knelt down. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:17.020 Using her hair, she wipes his feet. 00:07:17.900 --> 00:07:20.580 And she begins to kiss his feet. 00:07:20.579 --> 00:07:27.519 And then she takes a jar of alabaster, an alabaster jar of perfume. 00:07:27.659 --> 00:07:30.579 So hugely costly and precious. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:34.879 And she breaks it over Jesus. 00:07:35.399 --> 00:07:36.259 Over his feet. 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:43.680 Releasing what must have been a sort of sensuous aroma across the whole gathering. 00:07:44.800 --> 00:07:50.839 It was an act that was vulnerable, intimate, and lavish. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:55.419 And it would have caused quite a stir. 00:07:55.639 --> 00:07:59.539 You can imagine kind of murmurs rippling across the room. 00:08:00.179 --> 00:08:04.379 Because these locals, they knew who this woman was. 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:06.239 Certainly Simon did. 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:09.459 This was a sinful woman. 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:14.179 Now, we don't know exactly what she did. 00:08:14.599 --> 00:08:16.099 But it certainly wasn't in the rules. 00:08:16.100 --> 00:08:20.260 And she'd done enough of it to be labelled a sinful woman. 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:23.379 In the sight of the law and in the sight of society. 00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:24.720 Shame on her. 00:08:25.760 --> 00:08:27.040 That's the impression you get. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:33.980 And to Simon's mind, the fact that Jesus allowed even this woman to touch him. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:38.019 Let alone perform such a lavish, intimate act. 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:42.340 Well, that dented his estimation of Jesus' spiritual status. 00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:45.820 Perhaps this man isn't such a prophet as everyone says he is. 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.120 He thinks to himself. 00:08:50.399 --> 00:09:00.840 You see, for Simon, and for so many people, holiness is about how distant one can be from things and people that might contaminate you. 00:09:02.940 --> 00:09:15.600 Avoidance and prohibition are the tools so many use and employ to keep their self-righteous status aloof and above others. 00:09:16.100 --> 00:09:24.879 And that has the effect, of course, when you stand aloof of looking down your nose slightly at people. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:32.659 I remember being told as a teenager, Simon, you don't suffer fools lightly, do you? 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:35.019 Now, as a teenager, I didn't even know what that phrase meant. 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:40.379 But I am now realising that the impact of my pride must have been having on those around me. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:49.679 But for Jesus, holiness and righteousness come from an entirely different place. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:54.379 And they have a completely different effect on people around him. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:10:05.820 So, sensing the contours of Simon's heart, and I don't think to condemn Simon, but because he loves him, 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:12.259 Jesus turns to Simon, answering his unsaid thoughts, and says, 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:16.220 Simon, I have something to tell you. 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:22.559 And Simon, who is open, replies, tell me, teacher. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:31.759 And so we get this little mini parable that he speaks, presumably to all those gathered, but directed at Simon. 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:36.100 And it's this, two people owe money to a certain moneylender. 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:40.019 One owes him £100,000 and the other £10,000. 00:10:41.179 --> 00:10:45.080 Neither of them have the money to pay him back, so he wipes the debt of both. 00:10:46.360 --> 00:10:49.639 Now, which of them, he asks Simon, will love him more? 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:52.799 Simon replies correctly. 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:56.059 The one who had the bigger debt forgiven. 00:10:56.059 --> 00:11:02.979 Now, this puts a finger on the difference. 00:11:03.459 --> 00:11:08.679 The difference between a cold religious type and a passionate worshipper. 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:12.319 Knowing forgiveness. 00:11:14.959 --> 00:11:16.339 Jesus continues. 00:11:16.839 --> 00:11:18.899 Compare and contrast, says Jesus. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:22.219 You, Simon, did not give me any water for my feet, 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:27.139 but this woman wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.180 You did not give me a kiss, 00:11:29.420 --> 00:11:33.540 but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:40.300 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.899 Therefore, Jesus says, I tell you, 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:45.240 her many sins have been forgiven, 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:47.560 as her great love has shown. 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:50.639 But whoever has been forgiven little, 00:11:51.439 --> 00:11:52.319 loves little. 00:11:55.979 --> 00:11:57.579 Now, I have to say, this made me laugh. 00:11:57.979 --> 00:12:00.719 When I was reading a couple of weeks ago, 00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:02.799 I've opened my Bible, I use at home, 00:12:03.359 --> 00:12:05.539 and I noticed that these verses 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:07.399 had a highlight through them. 00:12:08.939 --> 00:12:12.059 Not because they hold the heart of what Jesus is trying to teach us here, 00:12:12.239 --> 00:12:13.639 but in the margin, I'd scribbled, 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:15.739 but when was she forgiven? 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:15.860 Forgiven. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:19.159 Because perhaps in only a way a Pharisee can, 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:22.120 my main concern was about getting clear 00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:23.779 the order of the doctrine of forgiveness. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:26.860 You know, surely this woman must have met Jesus before, 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:28.320 he must have explained the gospel, 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:29.620 the atonement, 00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:30.740 and given her absolution, 00:12:31.680 --> 00:12:33.039 so that she knew she was forgiven, 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:35.620 and then her act of worship must have followed. 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:37.340 Otherwise, you know, 00:12:37.419 --> 00:12:40.019 these actions would be perceived as if you can kind of earn your forgiveness. 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:42.440 Oh, my goodness me, it had me all in a tither. 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:45.400 But all we know, 00:12:46.180 --> 00:12:47.100 all we see in this passage, 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:50.140 is that Jesus says that how many sins are forgiven, 00:12:50.540 --> 00:12:52.680 because her great love shows it. 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:55.380 And then afterwards, he declares to the woman, 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.640 your sins are forgiven. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:01.199 This woman, 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:03.120 however she knew it, 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:04.600 knew enough about Jesus 00:13:04.600 --> 00:13:05.939 to know, 00:13:06.759 --> 00:13:08.659 A, that he was worthy of her love, 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:09.620 and B, 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:10.939 that if she came to him, 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:13.279 he would give her everything she needed. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.799 And in this case, 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:16.580 it was the forgiveness of her sins. 00:13:18.460 --> 00:13:18.960 You know, 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.340 we don't need to know it all, 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:21.860 or have it all worked out, 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:23.360 before we come to Jesus. 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:26.300 We don't even need to know what it is we need. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:30.639 The grace and mercy that flows from Jesus, 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:35.019 flows before we've even understood who he really is. 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:37.180 And that grace and mercy is enough. 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:40.940 The woman instinctively knew 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:43.680 Jesus was good news. 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:45.419 This was no mere man. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:48.639 This man was a source of life and love. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:50.639 This was a man who could do 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:52.319 only what God could do, 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:54.039 to forgive sins. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:57.919 And as he declared forgiveness of sins 00:13:57.919 --> 00:13:58.819 to that woman 00:13:58.819 --> 00:14:00.379 in this banquet, 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:02.759 people were shocked. 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:06.319 They had far less of an idea 00:14:06.319 --> 00:14:07.480 of his true identity 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:08.480 than this 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:10.120 woman. 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:12.919 Despite their superior religious knowledge, 00:14:13.559 --> 00:14:15.340 this woman really understood 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:17.700 who Jesus was 00:14:17.700 --> 00:14:18.780 so much more. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.360 This was the Lord of love. 00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:22.700 This was the source 00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:24.120 of grace and truth. 00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:25.540 The one who holds 00:14:25.540 --> 00:14:26.980 the key to freedom 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:29.139 and unlocks our hearts 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:30.980 from all that prevents it 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:32.060 from knowing love, 00:14:32.660 --> 00:14:33.879 giving and receiving love. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:36.040 And her actions 00:14:36.040 --> 00:14:36.879 demonstrated it, 00:14:36.920 --> 00:14:37.240 didn't they? 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:39.740 In her mind, 00:14:40.940 --> 00:14:42.000 Jesus was worthy 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.460 of such an act 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:44.400 of lavish, 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:45.720 costly, 00:14:46.180 --> 00:14:46.680 passionate, 00:14:47.060 --> 00:14:47.500 intimate, 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.920 public worship. 00:14:52.680 --> 00:14:53.840 This was a woman 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:55.139 who knew 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:56.660 she needed forgiveness. 00:14:58.660 --> 00:14:58.960 Simon 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.420 was a man 00:15:00.420 --> 00:15:01.340 who thought 00:15:01.340 --> 00:15:02.259 she needed it, 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:04.019 but that he didn't. 00:15:06.060 --> 00:15:07.139 Jesus says, 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.660 those who are forgiven little 00:15:09.660 --> 00:15:11.220 love little. 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:17.300 So I'm estimating 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:17.820 there will be 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:18.400 at least 00:15:18.400 --> 00:15:20.180 two types of people 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:21.800 listening to this 00:15:21.800 --> 00:15:22.320 this morning. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:24.240 There will be those 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.120 like me 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.840 whose hearts 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:26.960 are more shaped, 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.259 if we're honest, 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:29.240 like the Pharisees. 00:15:30.680 --> 00:15:31.420 Our tactic 00:15:31.420 --> 00:15:32.100 through life 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:32.720 has been 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:33.600 to avoid, 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:35.160 to steer clear 00:15:35.160 --> 00:15:36.280 of wrong things 00:15:36.280 --> 00:15:37.400 and wrong people. 00:15:38.900 --> 00:15:39.940 But that has also 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:40.440 caused us 00:15:40.440 --> 00:15:41.060 to avoid 00:15:41.060 --> 00:15:42.379 our own hearts. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:44.159 which have 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:44.659 gone wrong. 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:46.600 We've so 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.080 wanted to 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:48.179 protect ourselves 00:15:48.179 --> 00:15:49.120 from hurt 00:15:49.120 --> 00:15:49.960 and failure 00:15:49.960 --> 00:15:51.439 that we've 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:51.879 wrapped 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:53.120 our hearts, 00:15:53.200 --> 00:15:54.059 our inner being, 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:55.340 in some sort 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:55.820 of blanket 00:15:55.820 --> 00:15:57.620 of protective 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:58.639 aluminium foil. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:15:59.379 Can you imagine 00:15:59.379 --> 00:15:59.620 that? 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.460 And what 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.620 a layer 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.519 like that does, 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:05.240 it prevents 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:06.019 anything getting 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:06.399 in 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.679 and also 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:08.340 getting out. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:10.399 that's why 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:10.780 we lack 00:16:10.780 --> 00:16:11.200 love. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:15.080 We lack 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:15.639 love for God. 00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:16.879 We lack 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:17.680 love for 00:16:17.680 --> 00:16:18.240 other people, 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:19.660 especially those 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:20.120 who are different 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:20.660 from us. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:23.660 Again, 00:16:24.660 --> 00:16:25.519 seeing myself 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.780 in this story, 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.639 when I look back 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.120 at so many 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:28.800 of my relationships, 00:16:28.920 --> 00:16:29.320 even with 00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:30.600 past friends 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:31.680 and parents, 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:32.820 so much of this 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:33.460 has been based 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:34.460 on avoiding 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.080 conflict, 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:37.220 trying not 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:37.500 to step 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:37.740 on other 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.379 people's toes, 00:16:38.900 --> 00:16:39.340 seeking their 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:39.879 approval, 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.759 not wanting 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:41.340 to let people 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:41.780 down, 00:16:42.180 --> 00:16:43.120 getting validation 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:43.980 from others 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:44.639 that, you know, 00:16:44.680 --> 00:16:45.139 I'm good, 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:45.740 I'm okay, 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.280 I'm alright, 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:46.940 I'm accepted. 00:16:48.920 --> 00:16:49.400 Now, 00:16:49.879 --> 00:16:50.240 if that's 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:50.600 sounding a bit 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:51.100 like you, 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.100 please don't 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:52.540 beat yourself 00:16:52.540 --> 00:16:52.820 up. 00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:54.980 This posture 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:56.000 has protected 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:56.660 you and I 00:16:56.660 --> 00:16:57.379 through life. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.620 You know, 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.000 it's kept you 00:16:59.000 --> 00:16:59.600 alive even, 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:00.340 you've learnt 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:00.980 this behaviour 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.500 because that 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:02.980 is how you 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:03.820 survive in the 00:17:03.820 --> 00:17:04.120 world. 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:05.679 But Jesus 00:17:05.679 --> 00:17:06.220 doesn't want 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:06.720 us to stay 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.159 like that. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.240 Jesus has 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:09.720 something he 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.139 wants to 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:10.639 tell you. 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.639 Those who 00:17:12.639 --> 00:17:13.159 are forgiven 00:17:13.159 --> 00:17:13.659 little, 00:17:14.579 --> 00:17:15.279 love little. 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.720 And probably 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.259 you see, 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:19.879 and you might 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:20.379 see already, 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:21.559 that that 00:17:21.559 --> 00:17:22.679 self-protectiveness 00:17:22.679 --> 00:17:23.980 is propped 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:25.399 up by pride 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:27.439 and self-righteousness. 00:17:27.919 --> 00:17:28.839 Sometimes that 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.819 can masquerade 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:31.159 as self-pity 00:17:31.159 --> 00:17:32.480 and rage. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.259 Self-pity 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:34.639 and rage, 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.160 they sound 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:36.440 a little bit 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:36.980 more dangerous, 00:17:37.100 --> 00:17:37.460 don't they? 00:17:38.060 --> 00:17:38.720 And that 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.140 is sin. 00:17:40.080 --> 00:17:40.960 And that 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:41.400 needs 00:17:41.400 --> 00:17:42.120 forgiving 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:42.960 by God. 00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:46.440 So, 00:17:46.540 --> 00:17:46.960 maybe this 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:47.380 morning God 00:17:47.380 --> 00:17:47.740 wants to 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:48.180 free up 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:48.960 some Pharisees 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:50.080 here to 00:17:50.080 --> 00:17:50.820 live lives 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:51.720 of lavish 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:52.080 love, 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:54.020 of true 00:17:54.020 --> 00:17:54.420 holiness 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:55.460 and true 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:56.000 righteousness, 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.220 to have 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:57.820 relationships 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:58.380 that aren't 00:17:58.380 --> 00:17:58.860 all about 00:17:58.860 --> 00:17:59.640 just not 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.040 avoiding 00:18:00.040 --> 00:18:00.580 treading on 00:18:00.580 --> 00:18:01.340 eggshells 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:02.259 and running 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.099 from fears, 00:18:03.899 --> 00:18:04.179 but where 00:18:04.179 --> 00:18:04.519 actually 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.359 forgiveness 00:18:05.359 --> 00:18:07.079 is freely 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.500 offered 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.699 and freely 00:18:08.699 --> 00:18:09.379 received, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.419 where there 00:18:11.419 --> 00:18:11.939 are ruptures 00:18:11.939 --> 00:18:12.220 and there's 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.959 always ruptures 00:18:12.959 --> 00:18:13.759 in relationships. 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:14.980 Rather than 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:16.199 avoiding them, 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:17.379 actually, 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:18.879 we can recognise 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:19.559 those ruptures 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:20.039 for what they 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.539 are and we 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:22.599 can repair 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:22.899 them. 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:24.720 That's certainly 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:25.199 what God's been 00:18:25.199 --> 00:18:25.919 speaking to me 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:27.480 about as I've 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:28.039 engaged with 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.619 this story. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.399 But maybe 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:31.879 there are also 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:32.399 those here 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:32.899 this morning 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:33.519 who relate 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:33.899 much more 00:18:33.899 --> 00:18:34.399 to the woman 00:18:34.399 --> 00:18:35.799 in the story. 00:18:36.659 --> 00:18:37.119 Your life 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:37.700 is broken 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:39.019 and you know 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:39.240 it. 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:41.500 You don't need 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:41.940 the preacher 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:42.420 to labour 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:42.879 the point. 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.379 You're aware 00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:45.159 of your sins. 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:47.259 And I'd say 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.720 to you this 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.019 morning, 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:49.039 and perhaps 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.740 Jesus does, 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:50.940 don't let the 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:51.680 Pharisees around 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.299 you put you 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.579 off. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.420 Come to 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:54.700 Jesus. 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:57.139 He has got 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:57.980 everything you 00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:58.319 need. 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:58.799 He will 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.599 forgive and 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.700 continue to 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:02.319 forgive you 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:02.940 your sins 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.740 and set 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:05.779 your lives 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.660 free to 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:08.039 live lives 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.620 of lavish 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:09.059 love. 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:10.819 And you 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.160 know what? 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:11.539 Just like 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.059 this story, 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.599 Jesus holds 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:15.259 you up as 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:15.799 an example 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:16.559 of grace 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.799 in action. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:20.680 Come to 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:20.940 him. 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:22.000 Thank him. 00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:23.259 Worship him 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.440 with abandonment 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:26.400 for he is 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:27.039 good. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:31.940 folks, 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.500 we want to 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:32.980 be a church 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.420 community 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.380 that is 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:34.880 increasingly 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:35.500 inclusive, 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:36.960 intergenerational 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:38.180 and inspired. 00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:40.140 To be 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:40.980 those things, 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:42.140 we need to 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:42.720 be a church 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:43.279 that is 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:44.319 forgiving 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:45.339 freely, 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.599 casting away 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:48.019 those 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:48.940 pharisaical 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:49.839 mess avoidance 00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.319 strategies, 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:52.279 and instead 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:53.360 getting stuck 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:54.000 in to the 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.079 mess of 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:55.839 relationships, 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:57.279 and the 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:57.639 mess of 00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:58.000 our own 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.419 hearts, 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.019 really getting 00:19:59.019 --> 00:19:59.579 to grips 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:00.519 with who 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.139 we are 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.259 and what 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:03.859 shadow sides 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.539 lie there. 00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:06.480 And also 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.220 not afraid 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:08.699 to be with 00:20:08.699 --> 00:20:09.199 those who 00:20:09.199 --> 00:20:09.879 also need 00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.259 forgiveness, 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:11.699 and that's 00:20:11.699 --> 00:20:12.220 all of us, 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:12.919 and that's 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:13.779 everyone outside 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.500 this building 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.619 and outside 00:20:15.619 --> 00:20:16.039 our church 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.539 community. 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:20.460 1 John 4 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:20.920 verse 8 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:21.299 says, 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.379 there is no 00:20:22.379 --> 00:20:23.159 fear in 00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:23.539 love, 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:25.039 but perfect 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:26.099 love casts 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:26.899 out fear, 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.579 for fear has 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.059 to do with 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:29.500 punishment, 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:30.440 and whoever 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:31.279 fears has not 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:32.299 been perfected 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.259 in love. 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:33.299 love. 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:36.519 In Jesus, 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.400 we need 00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:37.859 have no 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.559 fear of 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:39.000 punishment, 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:40.059 because in 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:40.740 him is 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.299 perfect 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:41.759 forgiveness, 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:43.680 because his 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.619 perfect, 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:45.700 lavish 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.720 love 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:48.980 demonstrated 00:20:48.980 --> 00:20:49.579 with such 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.460 abandonment 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:51.299 and vulnerability 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:53.160 and costliness 00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:54.140 as he poured 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.920 out his 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.819 tears 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.720 and his 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.140 sweat 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:57.799 and his 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.240 blood 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.379 on the 00:20:59.379 --> 00:20:59.859 cross. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:02.940 That is 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:03.240 the love 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:03.640 of Jesus. 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:04.759 That love 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.360 is poured 00:21:05.360 --> 00:21:06.120 out on 00:21:06.120 --> 00:21:06.620 us, 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.580 the undeserving, 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:08.980 not just 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.680 on our feet, 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.600 but into 00:21:11.600 --> 00:21:12.340 our hearts 00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:13.759 by his 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.500 Holy Spirit. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.240 As we 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:18.920 finish now, 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.180 my questions 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:20.740 are simple. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.320 Will you 00:21:22.320 --> 00:21:23.000 receive it? 00:21:24.080 --> 00:21:24.759 And will 00:21:24.759 --> 00:21:25.220 you share 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:25.480 it? 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:28.539 Let's just 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:28.920 be still. 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.820 And perhaps 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.439 like me, 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:34.839 God has 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.379 something he 00:21:35.379 --> 00:21:35.759 wants to 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.220 tell you. 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:36.980 Please 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:39.039 may may 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.039 00:21:39.039 --> 00:22:09.019 Thank you.