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Notes: August 26, 2009

The Alabaster Box

Have you ever spent money on someone you love? Have you ever done something nice as a way of saying “Thank you”?

Luke 7:36-50

  • Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus home for something to eat; and Jesus accepted the invitation (v. 36).
  • A woman, known to us only by reputation, went, uninvited and unwelcome by the host, to see Jesus at the house (v. 37).
  • In tears, she washed, kissed and anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive ointment (v. 38).
  • The Pharisee protested the display; but Jesus approved.
  • Jesus teaches that those who have been forgiven much will love much.
  • When Jesus tells the woman that her sins have been forgiven, others wonder who he is to forgive sins (v. 49).
  • Faith has saved her (v. 50).

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Notes: August 25, 2009

“Come unto me…”

Jesus offers an invitation for men to join Him. But first he issues a stern warning and reprimand to the unrepentant.

Matthew 11:20-30

  • Tyre and Sidon were wicked cites from the Old Testament period. But not worse than Chorazin and Bethsaida of Jesus’ day (v. 21-22).
  • Sodom was a wicked city from the Old Testament period. But not worse than Capernaum of Jesus’ day (v. 23-24).
  • With the greater testimony of Jesus’ authority came greater responsibility to follow Him.
  • Greater testimony and greater responsibility imply greater judgment for those who reject Christ.
  • Listen as Jesus thanks His Father for hiding some things from some people and revealing those things to others (v. 25-27).
  • Jesus acknowledges that this is good (v. 26).
  • Jesus advances that only He can reveal God to men (v. 27).
  • The invitation (v. 28-30)
    • Come
    • to Jesus
    • all who toil incessantly
    • receive rest for your souls
    • rest in the employ of Jesus
    • whose character is meek and lowly
    • whose management style is easy
    • whose expectancy is light

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Notes: August 24, 2009

John the Baptist and Jesus

The mind plays tricks on us. And a stressed mind can turn the greatest confidence into doubt. Many a prisoner has lost his sanity, if not his religion.

Matthew 11: 2-19; Luke 7:18-35

  • John was in prison (v. 2).
  • He sent representatives to Jesus (v. 3)
  • Jesus refers to Isaiah 35:5-6.
  • Lest others think less of John for asking the question, Jesus applauds his character and life as God’s messenger, the forerunner of the Messiah promised in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:5.
  • How fickle is that people who rejected John for his reclusiveness and Christ for his sociability.

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Notes: August 23, 2009

Great Prophet

What do you do when you come upon a funeral procession? In some cultures, out of respect for the dead, you would stand quietly as the pall bearers and mourners pass by. Today we see what Jesus did in the town of Nain…

Luke 7:11-17

  • A gated community; a walled city.
  • The only son of a widow was being carried to his burial.
  • Many people joined the grieving mother.
  • Jesus had compassion on her and bade her not to weep. Easier said than done.
  • Then Jesus touched the bier and bade the dead to rise. Foolishness if you or I were to do it. Divine power coming from Jesus.
  • The crowd recognized that they were in the presence of God. And word of the miracle soon spread throughout the land.

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