The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1912-06-21

Jesus had accepted an invitation to
visit the home of the aristocrat 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, woman Of the street who
had doubtless seen him enter or else
observed him at meat through the
open doorway. Knowing him IL one
thing, but to love him Is quite an.
other. Do not confound this woman
with Mary Magdalene, there, Ia NO con
nection 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. 1871; 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 (D her sorrow weep
ing); (2) her humble service (wiplng
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-satlsfed Pharlsee spalSe
within himself" but he who discern
eth the thoughts and lntents Of the
heart knew not only how great 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 SImon's
shell Of self complacency by putting
forth one OF his matchless parallels.
JesuO 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 one Of the
most complete and practical applica-
lions Of applied Christianity In the
gospel record. To paraphrase Jesus
says: 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-
pentance, while you sit there with dry
eyed cynlclsm. 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 30 much as
offered me a towel to wipe the dust
1ff my feet as left my sandals at
your door. Simon you gave me NO
kiss, that common mark of q courteous
Welcome, yet this woman has not
ceased to kiss my feet since the time
came into your house. The annolnt-
ng oil, common olive oil, you neglect
ID to use, yet the precious oil Of her
reasure she has thankfully poured
lpon 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
~ love-"
In another place. Jesus tells US that
I we love him we will do the things
lie 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 unbldden house OF re-
reshment and perform those neglect
ID mental duties, the result OF which
vas that reward for her faith that
meant forgiveness Of her sins. By
leg attention to these duties she was
lnconsciously rebuklng the vanity OF
Iimon's self merit while at the same
line she was showing to the world a
Inc example Of the gratitude OF a
aved one. Paul later expressed 1t
most fOrcefully In the fourth chapter
4 his letter to the Romans.
The Great Creditor.
This woman knew she had no merit
I 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. It
as always been so for has not the
faster said, Happy are they who
unger and thirst after righteousness,
Or they shall be fed?"
After this practical sermon OF ap-
lied Christianity" to Simon, Jesus
lrns to the woman, nameless 80 far
$ the Scripture record Is concerned, |
nd with infinite and a heavenly thrill
/ his voice he said: Thy faith hath
aved thee, go In peace" who is the
reator," they asked.
Jesus teaches us that though there
degrees Of guilt, all alike must
ome to God for forgiveness Also
lat he, the Great Creator. is the one
} whom we owe our debt Of sins and
no alone can without merit dis
large that debt and send US forth In
sace.