LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

SHE WHO WAS FORGIVEN MUCH

Read Luke 7:36–8:3

     Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."   Luke 7:47-48 NIV
 

     Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A woman of the streets came in and she stood behind him weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. (7:38) The Pharisee thought to himself that Jesus did not know what kind of woman this was.
     Not only did Jesus know all about the woman, he also knew what Simon was thinking. He gently told a story to Simon that concluded with, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (7:47)
     Just following this scene we are given the names of other women who had been forgiven much. These women helped to support the ministry out of their own means, showing their deep gratitude for deliverance from evil spirits and diseases.

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     Lord, may my life and generosity reflect the forgiveness I have received in my life as well. What a Savior, who honored women far above the culture of His time.

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    The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.    Luke 8:1b–3 NIV

A FIRM FOUNDATION

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK

Read: Luke 6:39–49

     "I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice." Luke 6:47 NIV

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     After appointing the twelve apostles, Jesus came down from the mountain and began to speak to a large crowd of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. His message was different from any they had heard before – He told them, “love your enemies,” “do to others as you would have them do to you,” (vv. 27, 31) “do not judge,” “forgive, and you will be forgiven.”(v. 37) He finished with, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (6:46) – they looked for healing and He looked for a life change.

     If there is going to be lasting change in my life that can withstand the storms, I must spend quality time getting to know God’s Word and applying it to my everyday circumstances.

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     Lord, Thank You for the timeless principles You have given in Your Word. Help us to understand and apply this wisdom to our lives and to teach them to our children so that our home will have a firm and lasting foundation.

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     "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it …" Luke 6:48 NIV

A NIGHT OF PRAYER

CHOOSING THE APOSTLES

Read Luke 6:1–16; Mark 3:7–19

      Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

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      Prior to this night of intense prayer, Jesus had withdrawn with his disciples to the sea. Such huge crowds followed him that "He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him." (Mark 3:9 NKJV)

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      Now, Jesus goes alone to a mountain to spend the night in prayer. The next day He would call his followers to him and from them choose the twelve apostles. These men would be sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons. This was the Kingdom of Heaven confronting the kingdom of Satan. No wonder He spent the entire night in prayer for them.

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      Lord, if You felt it necessary to get away by yourself to pray, then surely I need to make time for extended prayer. Help me to remember to carve out time from my busy schedule to find time alone with You – particularly when we are facing important decisions.

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      When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:     Luke 6:13 NIV

HE SEES THE HEARTS

MATTHEW THE TAX COLLECTOR

Read Mark 2:13–17

      When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 NKJV

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      Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish man who worked for the Roman government. The religious leaders saw a traitor–Jesus saw a man who needed a Savior. Jesus could look into a man's heart, because He was the Son of God. In fact, Jesus had no problem eating with sinners, because He knew that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…(Romans 3:23)

      A few of the religious leaders came to realize this, but most did not. This is why the first message Jesus preached was "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV) Repentance required admitting their sin, and receiving God’s Son, the promised Messiah.

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      Jesus not only saw Matthew's heart, he saw his potential. He later chose Matthew as one of the twelve apostles. Lord, help me to understand the hearts of my children and envision their potential. I know that is not completely possible, but I can trust You to know their hearts and work all things together for their good.

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      Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32 NIV