An Extravagant Expression (Luke 7:36-50)

"...her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little” (Lk 7:47).

"She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mk 14:6).

1. Why did Simon the Pharisee invite Jesus to dinner, yet fail to provide basic hospitality (Lk 7:36, 44, 45, 46; 11:39, 42-43; cf. Rom 12:10)?
• Why did he question Jesus' prophetic credentials (Lk 7:39)?
• How does the parable of the 2 debtors:
• Expose Simon's spiritual condition (Lk 7:40-43; 18:9, 11-12; Mt 7:3-4; Isa 64:6; Jer 17:9)?
• Praise the woman's wasteful extravagance (Mk 14:6; 1 Jn 4:19)?
2. Why was the woman so extravagant and emotional in her expression of gratitude (Lk 7:37-38, 44-46, 47; Ps 51:17; Lk 23:40-43)?
• What would extravagant worship look like for you?
• What does her boldness teach about
• repentance (Ps 34:5; Heb 11:26) and
• the fear of God vs. fear of people (Prov 29:25; 28:1)?
3. Does love earn forgiveness, or show it (Lk 7:48-50; Rom 5:8, 20)?
• Why is the order important (Eph 2:8-9; Jas 2:18)?
• How does faith save you (Lk 7:50; 8:48; Rom 3:28; 4:5)?
4. Are you more like Simon (judgmental, critical, self-righteous)? Or more like the woman (humble, self-effacing, worshipful)? Be honest!
5. What does this story teach about:
• "big sinners" and "respectable sinners" (Mt 21:31)?
• the difference between self-righteousness and humble repentance (2 Cor 7:10)?
• the justice and mercy of God (Dt 4:24; Heb 12:29; Ex 34:6-7)?
• the relationship between faith, forgiveness and peace (Isa 26:3; Rom 5:1; Phil 4:7)?