The Jasper news. [volume] (Jasper, Missouri) 1898-1924, 1912-06-20

| LESSON TEXT-I.uke 1860.
GOLDEN TEXT-"Faithful is the say
ing and worthy Of all acceptation. that
Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners."- Tim. 1:l5.
Jesus had accepted an invitation to
visit the home OF the aristocrat Simon,
but instead of being treated with
courtesy he is humiliated by studied
neglect and insult. There was one,
however, who fully appreciated his
real worth, woman Of the street who
had doubtless seen him enter or else
observed him at meat through the
open doorway Knowing him Is one
| thing, but to love him is quite an
other. Do not confound this woman
with Mary Magdalene, there is no con
nectlon at all. Jesus always drew to
himself the sinful ones; 1t was for
that purpose he came into the world,
to bear our sins Matt. 1921; lisa
| $500. This woman was. however, a
sinner who no longer ran after her
sin, but one who was repentant. This
| Is shown by G) her sorrow (weep-
| ing); (2) her humble service (wiping
his feet), and (3) her gift OF love (the
alabaster box). this latter having un-
doubtedly been an accessory Of her
life OF sin, but now devoted to more
noble use. AS the odor filled the
house the self-satished Pharisee spake
within himself" but he who discern
eth the thoughts and intents of the
heart knew not only how great a sim
ner she had been, but knew also the
cloak of self.righteousnes worn by
Simon. Her purity and holiness had
been shattered like the alabaster box
and Jesus proceeds to shatter Slmon'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 ss5. 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 viii be
| in ratio to the amount forgiven. Much
| had been required, hence much for.
| given. Jesus Immediately turns the
| Pharisee's answer to q practical appli-
cation. Taking the words out OF
Simon's mouth he makes one of the
most complete and practical applica'
tions Of applied Christianity in the
gospel record. To paraphrase Jesus
says: "Simon, I 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
feet with the hairs OF her head, her
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 l left my sandals at
your door. Simon you gave me nc
kiss, that common mark of a 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 hel
treasure she has thankfully poured
upon my feet Simon, your life Is 6
life of works so are these acts OF this
woman. but your life is one Of yea
. while her acts have been prompted
by love"
In another place Jesus tells us tha
II we love him we will do the thingi
he commands us and that he and thu
Father will come and abide with us
! Hers was the heroic love of one whit
having lost her shame dared to thrrs
herself into an unbidden house of re
freshment and perform those neglect
ed mental duties, the result OF whicl
was that reward for her faith tha
meant forgiveness Of her sins. B!
her attention to these duties she wa
unconsciously rebuking the vanity o
Simon's self merit while at the sam,
time she was showing to the world
fine example of the gratitude OF
saved one. Paul later expressed
most forcefully in the fourth chapte
of his letter to the Romans
The Great Creditor.
/, This woman knew she had no merl
, of her own and hence she threw heT
a self at the feet of Jesus, claimed hi
righteousness and compassion and a
tho same time by her acts she showe
the attitude Of her heart and Of cours
she had the desire OF her heart. |
has always been so for has not tn
!. Master said Happy are they VIII
: hunger and thirst after righteousness
for they shall be fed?"
After this practical sermon OF az
, piled Christianity" to Simon, Jesu
|, turns TO the woman, nameless so ia
. as the Scripture record is concerned
and with infinite and a heavenly thrill
, in his voice he said THY faith hat
: saved thee, go in peace" 'Who IS tn
: creator" they asked.
! Jesus teaches us that though ther