Jesus Anointed With Oil-2

We conclude Jesus Anointed With Oil by studying the example of spiritual maturity Jesus sets in this sermon lesson.

Jesus Anointed With Oil-2

The Pharisee in our story is a great example of a religious leader. Vs 39 "…the Pharisee…said to himself, "If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner." Religious leaders are condemning and judgmental of others. Not only is he judging the woman, here, but he's questioning the validity of the Son of God. He's two-faced, questioning Jesus to himself, but giving Him the title 'Teacher' out loud in vs 40. He's inconsiderate. He invite's Jesus to his house but doesn't give Him the common courtesy afforded the most humble of house guests at that time…a basin to wash his feet. Religious leaders have to take the posture of being above everyone else so they can keep their lofty position. But that's not what Spiritual maturity is. Jesus said, 'to be great in His kingdom is to be a humble servant.'

The "sinful" woman was closer to Spiritual maturity than the Religious Leader.

3. Teacher of Mercy: Jesus, as you may have guessed, is our model of Spiritual maturity.

Jesus modeled forgiveness. Vs 48 "Your sins have been forgiven." He modeled acceptance by allowing the woman to touch Him and kiss Him, risking the judgment of all who witnessed or heard of the event. How many of us would let a 'sinner' get so close, even in private, let alone at a public dinner. Certainly, no one who is religious. Jesus was even patient with the Pharisee, teaching him with the same style He used with his followers (a story applied to here and now). Vs 41-42 "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. "When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" Jesus even suggested that the religious leader loved Him, though not as much as the sinful woman. This is nothing like how we see Jesus treating the Pharisees who were out to kill him. It's really a loving lesson for the man to accept, or not. Jesus was teaching mercy by giving it to the sinful woman who wanted it and to the Pharisee who didn't think he needed it.

This passage doesn't give us the whole picture of the Spiritual maturity of Jesus, but it sure 'sets the bar' up pretty high. We have to get into the whole Bible for a more complete look at Spiritual maturity. That's why, at Way2Hope, we teach through the whole Bible, not just little snippets that happen to agree with what I wanted to tell you. We're interested in hearing what God has to say, not me. When it comes to Spiritual life, the Bible says we're to be 'molded into the shape of Christ.' Paul writes (Eph 4:13) that:

Spiritual maturity= "attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

I'm sure I haven't arrived, yet. How 'bout you? So, the right question to ask little Johnny, or yourself is…

Who are you going to be when you grow up?

Thank you, God, for the Spiritual maturity that Jesus leads us to. Thank you for your forgiveness. If anyone's receiving this message and hasn't had their time weeping at your feet, being forgiven, please draw them there, now and give them your mercy. If there are any Pharisee's who have depended on their religious performance to be with you, bring them to the same place, let them know it's wrong to think we can earn our way to you, then just give them your gift. Lord, lead us all to get up from there and walk toward the maturity you want in us, toward Christ Like-ness. Thank You, Lord.

Jesus Anointed With Oil-2

I'm honored that you've allowed me to be a part of your Christian life. Please return often for fellowship, study and prayer. Thank you very much for visiting.

Love & Hugs,
Glen

We conclude Jesus Anointed With Oil by studying the example of spiritual maturity Jesus sets in this sermon lesson.