T HE K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S neous thoughts about the woman. He supposed that he was blameless, a model man, better than Jesus, and in evefy way right. He was, in reality, uncharitable. He had no love for the lost and no thought that anything good could come of a sinner. He was a reli gious formalist. (2) THE SELF-SACRIFICING SIN NER, “And, behold, a woman, a sinner.” There came a woman, a sinner, and a sample sinner, too, like the publican, whose eyes were turned toward the blood-sprinkled mercy seat, and who went down from the temple justified (Luke 18:13): “And the publican, standing: afar off, would not lift np so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying:, God be merciful to me a sinner.” - She was a nameless sinner through the tender mercy and compassion of a loving Saviour who had hidden her sins behind His back. She was a wise sin ner, for she knew the two great essen tials that all 'men and women should know and that should be broadcasted world-wide by the church— that she was a sinner and Jesus was her Saviour^ and the Saviour of all sinners who will come to Him. This knowledge is worth more than a college or university education, but it is a knowledge of which many of the professors and students are ignorant. What a pity that so many who are wise after the flesh are so blind to this truth which is the key to heavenly wisdom (Rom. 4j: 8 ): “Blessed Is the man to whom the l.ord will not impute sin.” The woman had perhaps heard the invitation of Jesus that very day, “ Come unto me and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28), had accepted the invitation, and now— an uninvited guest but not an un observing one— she sees her Saviour slighted by the host and takes advan tage of the opportunity to show her gratitude, as did the other woman who loved her Lord (John 12:3 ):
1160 Theme:
Formalism vs,. Faith.
Oatline: (1) The Self-Satisfied Simon. * (2) The Self-Sacrificing Sinner. (3) The Soul-Searching Saviour. (4) The Soul-Satisfying Saviour. Introduction: Our lesson presents some striking contrasts. It is a character study— a heart study. It brings to view three pictures, and may be studied to good advantage in that light LESSON — a proud Pharisee, EXPOSITION filled with self-compla- T. O. Horton cency; a prostrate pen itent, filled with devo tion to her Lord; a penetrating Prophet, condemning the Pharisee, and com mending the penitent sinner. (1) THE SELF-SATISFIED SIMON, “ One of the Pharisees.” “ One” suggests “ a sample,” and that is what Simon is— a sample Pharisee. Certain characteristics mark him. He is proud, ignorant, uncharitable. The presence of the great Teacher in Caper naum affords him an opportunity to make a display and honor himself. But he neglected his guest— no kiss, no water for His feet, no oil for His head. He thinks it enough honor for such a man to be invited to his house. He patronizes Jesus Christ. There are many of his kind in these days who think 'they confer a great favor on the Son of God by joining a church. Simon was ignorant of the character of Jesus Christ. He thought that holi ness would be contaminated by contact with impurity. He imagined that if Jesus had known who and what the woman was, He would have spumed her. He misconceived the mission of Christ. He was ignorant of the woman.’s charac ter, supposing that she was devoid of any power to apprehend righteousness and was without the pale of mercy. He was ignorant of his own charac ter, and this was the basis of his erro-
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker