The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-06-20


ing and worthy Of all scceptation. that
Christ Jesus came into the world to
ave sinners"-i Tim. LIS.
Jesus had accepted an invitation TO
visit the home Of the aristocrat Simon.
but instead Of being treated with
courtesy he IL Inundated by studied
neglect and insult There was one.
however. who fully appreciated his
real worth, a woman OF the street who
had doubtless seen him enter or else
observed him at meat through the
open doorway. Knowing him is ono
thing, but to love him Is quito an
other. Do not confound this woman
with Mary Magdalene. there is no con-
nection at all. Jesus always drew to
himself the sinful ones: II was for
that purpose he came into the world.
70 bear our sins (Matt. 1871; lisa
$3.50. This woman was. however. a
sinner who no longer ran after her
sin. but one who was repentant. This
Ia shown by Q) her sorrow weep
ing); (2) her humble service (wipins
his feet), and (3) her gift OF love (thc
aiabaster box). this latter having I'M
doubtedly been an accessory OF her
life OF sin, but now devoted to moro
noble use As the odor filled the
house the selfsatisfed Pharisee spake
within himself" but he who discern
eth the thoughts and intents OF the
heart knew not only how great sin.
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 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 SIS. Both
alike. however, received forgiveness.
Tell me-" says the Master. which
debtor will love mostr The Phart.
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
given. Jesus Immediately turns the
Pharisee's answer to . practical appli.
cation. Taking the words out OF
Simon's mouth he makes one OF the
most complete and practical applica.
lions OF applied Christianity in the
gospel record. To paraphrase Jesus
says: "Simon. I came into your house
and tho most common courtesy or
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 10 wipe the dust
on 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 to kiss my feet since the time
I 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 a
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
n 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-
freshment and perform those neglect
ed mental duties. the result OF which
was that reward for her faith that
meant forgiveness OF her sins. BY
her attention to these duties sh. was
unconsciously rebuking the vanity OF
Simon's self merit while at the same
time she was showing TO the world a
fine example OF the gratitude OF
saved one. Paul later expressed II
most forcefully in the fourth chapter
OF his letter to the Romans.
The Great Creditor.
This woman knew she had no merit
OF her own and hence she threw her.
self at the feet Of Jesus, claimed his
righteousness and compassion and at
the same time by her acts she showed
the attitude Of her heart and OF course
she had the desire OF her heart. Il
has always been so for has not the
Master said. Happy are they who
hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be fed2"
After this practical sermon OF ap-
piled Christianity" TO Simon, Jesus
turns TO the woman. nameless so far
as the Scripture record is concerned.
and with infinite and a heavenly thrill
In his voice he said: "Thy faith hath
saved thee. go In peace" "Who is the
creator" they asked.
Jesus teaches us that though there
be degrees OF guilt. all alike must
come TO God for forgiveness. Also
that he. the Great Creator, is the one
to whom we owe our debt OF sins and
who alone can without merit, o.