Sermon C: 3 S Pent: Luke 7:47

For this third Sunday after Pentecost I will have the privilege of preaching in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. The three assigned readings are 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-14 (David’s sin with Bathsheba); Galatians 2:15-21; 3:10-14 (Not justified by the works of the Law) and Luke 7:36-8:3 (Simon the Pharisee). A most interesting passage–of many in this set of readings–is Luke 7:47 when Jesus speaks of the sinful woman with, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.”

How can one not interpret Jesus’ words to mean, “The reason her sins are forgiven is because she has loved much.” Fine for every other religion in the world, but NOT for Christianity. For the Christian faith professes that we are NOT saved by works including good deeds, good thoughts, good words, good love or good faith! In fact, one cannot even attain to such deeds until one is completely saved.

A key distinction between Law and Gospel is that justification (having a right relationship with God) precedes sanctification (responding with good works). Thus, it is impossible to read what Jesus is saying in the sense that the women is getting forgiven because of her great love. In fact, does not the Bible reveal that “we love Him because He first loved us”?

The king of theology is interpretation using the principle of “Scripture interprets Scripture” (context). The queen of theology is application using the principle of the “distinctions between Law and Gospel” From the context the Pharisee Simon has invited Jesus to a meal but has not provided the proper kind of welcome; that is, washing one’s feet and anointing one’s head.

So during the meal, the “sinner” woman–probably a prostitute–enters and begins to wash the feet of Jesus with tears, wipe them with her hair and anoint his feet with ointment. Knowing the sinful thoughts of Simon, Jesus asks him who would love a lender more–one who is forgiven a debt of $50,000.00 or a debt of $5,000.00. Simon correctly answers the one who owed more.

It is in that context that Jesus makes the remark that “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.” The point is now obvious. Her love does not precede her being forgiven. Rather her love follows from the fact that her sins, which she knows to be many, are forgiven.

The application is clear. We dare not attempt to hand to God our good works, even of love, as a means of getting forgiven. Such a “gift” to God is abhorrent to Him because it adds to the cross of Christ. And when you add to the cross, you subtract from the cross.

Our love is a spontaneous outpouring on the part of the Holy Spirit which we received in our baptism (Acts 2) and results in many good works including a wealth of love, not only toward the holy Trinity, but also to our neighbor who really needs our works. So how to help people live the sanctified life? Preach Christ and Him crucified and the results will be Spirit-filled!