The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1912-06-21


Jesus had accepted an invitation t.
visit the home Of the aristocrat Simon
out instead Of being treated. witt
courtesy he Is Inundated by studied
neglect and insult. There was one
however, who fully appreciated his
real worth, woman of the street who
mad doubtless seen him enter or else
observed him at meat through the
open doorway Knowing him is one
tning. bnt to love him is quite an
otner. Do not confound this woman
with Mary Magdalene, there is no con.
nection at all. Jesus always drew to
himself. the sinful ones; It was for
mat purpose he came into the world.
10 bear our sins {Matt. f:2t: lisa
$500. This woman was however, a
sinner who no longer ran after her
SIN, put one who was repentant. This
rs SHOWN by (D her sorrow weep
n0; 10 her humble service (wiping
MS rseSy, and e31 her gift Of love (the
alabaster box), this latter having un-
doubleday been an accessory of. her
ne OF sin, but now devoted to- a more
noble use. AS the odor, flied the
mouse the self-satisfied Pharisee spake
within himself" but he who discern.
eth the thoughts and intents of the
neart Enew 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 bog
and Jesus proceeds to shatteDSimon's
shell OF self complacency by putting
forth one ofNhfs matchless parallels
Jesus Speaks to Simon.
A certain, creditor undoubtedly
meaning himself, had two debtors, by
inference this woman and this Pharf-
see Both alike were bankrupt one
owed abeut $3.50 and the other, ten
times as much, about $s5. Both
alike however, received forgiveness.
FELL 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 bsen required, hence. much for4
given. Jesus Immediately turns the
'Pharisees answer to a practical appli.
cation. Taking the words out of
lSimon's mouth he makes one of the
most complete and practical applica-
lions Of applied Christianity In the
gospel record: To paraphrase Jesus
sayR Simon, came into your house
and the most common courtesy of
washing guests feet you neglected,
yet this woman has washed my feet
with her tears, an evidence of her re-.
Dentance, while you sit there with dry;
eyeda cynfcism.. She has wiped, my
feet wfthsthe hairs OF her head, her.
glory and crownshas been laid at my
feet while you have not so much as
offered me towel to wipe the dust
of my feet as I left my sandals at
your door. Simon you gave me no
kiss, that common mark of a courteous
welcome, yet this woman has not
ceased toskfss my feet since the time
fscan1e 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 a
life Of works SO, are these acts of this
woman, but yourrlife is one Of zeal
while her acts have been prompted
By love"
In another place Jesus tells us that
K I'VE love; him we will do the things
he commands VI and that he and the
Father will come and abide with us.
Hers was the heroic love Of one who g
having fostsher shame dared tothrust I
,erseif into an unbidden house Of re-
'reshment and perform those neglect
ID mental duties, the result of which 9
vas that reward for her faith that G
meant forgiveness Of her sins. By 8
Ter attention to these duties she was
rebuking the vanity Of !,
,imon's self merit while at the same
lime she was showing to the world =,
he example Of the gratitude Of !.
aved ono. Paul later expressed II =
most forcefullycin the fourth chapter =
K his letter to the Romans.
The Great Creditor.
THIS woman knew she had no merit
a her own and hence she threw her.
elf at the feet Of Jesus, claimed his
and compassion and at b
he Same time by her acts she showed t
he attitude Of her heart and Of course
he had the desire Of her heart. It o
in always been so for has not the b
faster said, Happy are they who
,1nger and thirst after Righteousness. Il
ahall be fedg N
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