The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1912-06-19

save sinners."-l Tim. lis.
Jesus had accepted al Invitation to
visit the home Of the %ar1stccrat Simon,
but instead Of being treated with
courtesy he Is 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 one
thing, but to love him is quite al
other. 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
that purpose he came into the world,
TO bear our sins (Matt. 1:21; lisa
$3.50. This woman was, however, a
sinner who no longer ran after her
sin, but one who was repentant. This
is shown by ~ her sorrow weep
ing); (2) her humble service (wiping
his feet, and (9) her gift Of love tthe
alabaster box), this latter having un-
doubtedly been ar accessory of her
life Of sin, but now devoted to a more
noble use. AS the odor filled the
house the self-satisfed Pharisee spake
within himself" but he who discern
eth the thoughts and intents OF the
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 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 $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
given. Jesus Immediately turns the
Pharisee's answer to a practical appli-
cation. Taking the words out OF
Simon's mouth he makes n of the
most complete and practical applica-
tons Of applied Christianity in the
gospel record. To paraphfase 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 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 annotnt-
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 80 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-
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 she was
unconsciously rebuking the vanity Of
Simon's self merit while at the same
llllS BIG "dS SilOWilS " lHC nOlto q
fine example of the gratitude Of a
saved one. Paul later expressed 1t
most forcefully in the fourth chapter
of his letter to the Romans. The man
who works has not a reward of grace,
bu- of debt, but he that believeth is
justified, his faith being counted for
righteousness.
The Great Creditor.
This woman knew she had no merit
of her W 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. 1t
has always been so for has not the
Master said, Happy are they who
hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be fed?"
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