The Brinkley argus., 1912-06-21
LESSON FOR JJi.E l3
THE PENITENT WOMAN.
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LESSON TEXT-Lu''e 7;36-50.
 GOLDEN TFET-fFaithful is the say !ry and worthy of all acceptation. that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."-1 Tim. 1:15.
 Jesus had accepted an invitation to
 isit 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 whc 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. nee; ion 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; lsa b3:6). This woman was. however, 9 sinner who no longer ran after her sin. but one who WIS rerentant. This Is shown by CD her sorrow (weep- ing); (2) her humble service (wiping his feet). and (3) her gift of love (the slabaster 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-satisffed 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. Fer purity and holiness had been shattered like the alabaster box and Jesus proceeds to sbatter Simon's shell of self comrlacency by putting forth one of his matchless parables.
 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 $50 and the other ten times as much, about $S5. Both alike, however, received forgiveness "Tell me-" says the Master. which debtor will love most7" 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 Pbarisee's answer to practical arpli cation Taking the words out of Simon's mouth he makes one of the most complete and practical srplica- tions of applied Christianity in the gospel record. To paraphrase Jesus gays: Simon, 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 towel to wipe the dust off my feet as l left my sandals at your door. Simon you gave me no kiss, that common mark of 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 cd to use. yet tho 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 | 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 hoIse of re. 1 freshment and rerform those neglect | ed menial duties, the result of which was that reward fer her faith that meant forgiveness of her sins. By 1 Ter attention to these duties she was rnconsciously rebuking the vanity oi | Simon's self merit while at the same time she was showing to the world a ! fine example Of the gratitude of . l saved one. Paul ln'er eyrressed it most forcefullv in tte 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 hi, righteousness and ccmrassion and al the same time by her acts she showed the attitude of her heart and of course i she he'd the desire of her heart II hrs always been so for has not the 'aster said, Harry are they who
 unger and thirst after righteousness
 or they shall be fed?
 After this practical sermon of ap piled Christianity" to Simon. Jesus turns to the woman, nameless so far as the Scrirture record is concerned and with infinite and heavenly thrill in his voice he said Thy faith hath saved thee, go in reace.n "Who is the creator, they asked
 Jesus teaches us that thnuph there