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Finding Peace in Unusual Places

Reflections on peace from the life of a former prostitute and a pompous Pharisee.

Luke 7:36-50
36 Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner!” 40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He said, “Say it, teacher.” 41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” he told him. 44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Reflections:

Peace is found in extravagantly worshiping. instead of excessively worrying. (V36-38)
Rather than worrying about what people must say, we must be prepared to
Break social convention to honor Jesus.

Peace is found when we are released from a debt we can’t pay. (vs40-43)
Our ability to receive forgiveness determines our level of peace.

Peace is found in Soul Righteousness rather than Self Righteousness. (vs.44-46)
Our soul is primarily satisfied when we give rather than receive

Peace is found by focusing on faith rather than failure - (vs. 48-49)
We are commissioned to focus on the future rather than live in the past.

 “Go in(to) Peace” (vs50)

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