The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1912-06-21

sin, but one who was repentant. Thi
is shown by (1) her sorrow (weer
ing); (2) her humble service (wipini
his feet), and (3) her gift of love (th'
alabaster box), this latter having I'm
doubtedly. been an accessory of he
life of sin, but now devoted to a more
noble use AS the odor filled tn,
house the self-satisfed Pharisee spak,
within himself" but he who discern
eth the thoughts and intents of thu
heart knew not only how great a sin
ner she had been, but knew also the
cloak of self-righteousnes worn by
Simon. Her purity and holiness hat
been shattered like the alabaster box
and Jesus proceeds to shatter Simon's
shell of self complacency by putting
| forth one of his matchless parallels.
Jesus Speaks to Simon.
A certain creditor, undoubtedly
meaning himself, had two debtors, by
inference this woman and this Phari
see. Both alike were bankrupt, one
owed about $3.50 and the other ten
times as much, about $S5. Both
alike, however, received forgiveness.
''Tell me-" says the Master, which
debtor will love most?" The Phari-
sees reply was the logical one; they
both depend upon the mercy of the
creditor, hence the gratitude will be
in ratio to the amount forgiven. Much
had been required. hence much for
Oivan TocIYc i'm m ad 10 al t.,rpe ~ n
Pharisee's answer to a practical appli.
cation. Taking the words out of
Simon's mouth he makes one Of the
most complete and practical applica.
tons Of applied Christianity in the
gospel record. To paraphrase Jesus
says: "Simon, / came into your house
and the most common courtesy of
washing a guests feet you neglected,
yet this woman has washed my feet
with her tears, an evidence of her re.
pentance, while you sit there with dry.
eyed cynicism. She has wiped my
glory and crown has been laid at my
feet while you have not so much as
offered me a towel to wipe the dust
off my feet as | left my sandals at
your door. Simon you gave me no
kiss, that common mark of courteous
welcome, yet this woman has not
ceased to kiss my feet since the time
| came into your house The annoint-
ing oil, common olive oil, you neglect
ed to use, yet the precious oil Of her
treasure she has thankfully poured
upon my feet. Simon, your life is
life Of works so are these acts of this
woman, but your life is one Of zeal
while her acts have been prompted !
by love"
In another place Jesus tells us that |
If we love him we will do the things |
he commands us and that he and the .
Father will come and abide with us.
Hers was the heroic love of one who
having lost her shame dared to thrust
herself into an unbidden house of re.
and perform those neglect.
ed mental duties, the result of which
was that reward for her faith that
meant forgiveness of her sins. By
Ter attention to these duties she was
lnconsciously rebuking the vanity of
Simon's self merit while at the same
ime she was showing to the world a
inc example of the gratitude of
iaved one. Paul later expressed Il
most forcefully in the fourth chapter
# his letter to the Romans.
The Great Creditor.
t. r !
T her own and hence she threw her.
elf at the feet of Jesus, claimed his
righteousness and compassion and at
he same time by her acts she showed
he attitude of her heart and of course
he had the desire of her heart II
as always been so for has not the '
laster said, Happy are they who
unger and thirst after righteousness
'r they shall be fed?" {
After this practical sermon of ap-
lied Christianity" to Simon, Jesus
lrns to the woman, nameless so far 3
; the Scripture record is concerned,
I'd with infinite and heavenly thrill
his voice he said: "Thy faith hath
wed thee, go in peace" who is the !
Gator" they asked.
Jesus teaches us that though there I
degrees of guilt, all alike must
me to God for forgiveness. Also
at he. the Great Creator, is the one
whom we owe our debt of sins and
lo alone can without merit dis
arge that debt and send US forth In
ace.