1. Following Jesus… in Luke’s gospel True conversion Love for Jesus The power of faith The cost of discipleship Easter Sunday: He’s alive! The road to Emmaus Dealing with our doubts

3. We all love a good story Main character: Cinderella A problem: unkind family Potential solution: fairy Godmother & handsome guy Crisis: clock strikes midnight Ending: they lived happily ever after! We are wired for a happy ending; wired for hope.

4. God’s story. This is HIS-story. History! The divine rhythm of life. Main character: Mankind A problem: Separation from God Potential solution: Jesus, God’s son Crisis: Crucifixion Ending: Resurrection life

5. Luke 7: 36 - 50 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of

6. perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him

7. and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him “Simon I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain money lender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to

8. pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house.

9. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven -

10. as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

11. This story begins earlier… Something significant had happened to this woman before she arrived at Simon’s house. v37 This is shocking event.

12. We know she had lived a sinful life v37 The scandal – that she draws close to Jesus. v38 She says nothing – but her actions speak a thousand words. She’s celebrated because she loved much v47

13. Simon is in for a further shock. He’s the respectable one. He thinks he knows what’s going on - and is appalled. But Jesus is bringing a new model for life. Do you see this woman? v44

14. What do we see?

15. Love is shown through extravagance & generosity. Her perfume is costly. Love is sacrificial. It costs us something. Love prefers others. Love is more than minimum. We shrink from generous love We think there won’t be enough. We think it might be misinterpreted.

16. Love is demonstrated. Actions speak louder than words. Love gets its hands dirty. Love notices the needs of others. Love offers gifts of time and service as well as flowers and chocolates! Love avoids hypocrisy – humility and gratitude.

17. Love has pure motives It’s not self seeking It’s not people pleasing It’s no strings attached! It’s inclusive not exclusive. It is very easy to close our hearts.

18. Love doesn’t act on second hand information. People look at the outward appearance, but the L ORD looks at the heart. 1 Sam 16:7

19. As we look towards Easter… this is also a story of Jesus’ love for us.

20. The woman’s actions are evidence of something. …as her great love has shown. v48 Through Jesus she has learnt to love extravagantly. She has dealt with the things that limit love.

21. Jesus’ love cancels debt. £5 ; £50,000 Who will love him more? v42 Emotional appreciation. She had no bargaining position. Every debt cancelled. Your sins are forgiven. v48 Nothing held against us. Opposite of Simon’s separation.

22. Jesus’ love comforts grief. That life hasn’t always gone the way we hoped or planned. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

23. Jesus’ love brings healing. Wounds caused by our actions or others. Wounds from disappointment. He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3

24. Jesus’ love brings hope and peace. It’s transformational. Your faith has saved you; go in peace. v50

25. Following Jesus… in Luke’s gospel True conversion Love for Jesus The power of faith The cost of discipleship Easter Sunday: He’s alive! The road to Emmaus Dealing with our doubts