A Sinful Woman, A Pharisee, and a Savior

Monday, August 24, 2026

Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 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 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. 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! Luke 7:36-39

 

A Sinful Woman,  A Pharisee, and a Savior

Yesterday Pastor Jim wrapped up the Come and See series with the last message – The Dismissed. The encounter happened at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. Jesus had been invited for dinner and while he was there, a woman of the city – a sinner, came to Simon’s house because she had heard that Jesus would be there. It was common at the time for people in the city to come and watch when prominent people ate together.  She had a reputation and was known for her sin, and Simon thought Jesus shouldn’t be touching her because of her reputation. 

 

Jesus knew who she was and everything about her. He was there for her and Simon than night. She came seeking the Messiah.  She came seeking transformation.  She came seeking forgiveness. She wanted out of her life of sin and into a life of forgiveness and freedom.  She came already grateful for what He would do for her because she was desperate, and she believed. Just as in the other stories in this series we see that all are invited to come and see the truth found in Jesus. 

 

Even though Simon dismissed the woman, Jesus did not. He is the Messiah, King of Kings, ruler over all, and yet this woman with a bad reputation was invited into his Kingdom, in the same way Simon was. Jesus told a parable in response to Simon’s condemnation of the woman: Jesus replied to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. He said, Say it, teacher. A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more? Simon answered, I suppose the one he forgave more. You have judged correctly, he told him. Luke 7:40-43 Jesus told Simon this parable so he would see his own sin and realize that he is a sinner like the woman. Both need what only Jesus can give and in that regard they are the same. Jesus was there to forgive the woman who came seeking change and he was there to make Simon aware of his own sin. In this story we see how Jesus recognizes the woman that has been dismissed, lifts her up, and forgives her. What can we learn from this example Jesus gives us?  

 

How can we demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance to the marginalized and dismissed among us? Yesterday Pastor Jim gave us some guidelines to help us follow the example Jesus left for us.  

1.    Humble yourself before God and others. – Do you struggle to humble yourself with God and others? Jesus approached Simon's pride, not to condemn him but to save him. Jesus was there for the woman and the pharisee. He reminded Simon that he was no better than the woman and they both needed Jesus.  

  
Why do we marginalize people?
Our own unhealthy sense of pride. – We marginalize others by building ourselves up by tearing others down.   

Unbiblical standards we have put on ourselves and others. Legalism and expectations of perfection that no one can reach. We marginalize those who cannot keep up.
A lack of compassion and love for others. We are selfish and our world revolves around us. We do not want to be inconvenienced or interrupted. We don’t have time for compassion. 
We have forgotten that we too were once outsiders. – We lose perspective. We forget what it feels like to be lost and without Jesus, especially when we have grown up in church and never known anything different.  

2.    Recognize all people as created in the image of God.  All of us are created in the image of God. We are all on the same level at the foot of the cross. We all have the exact same inheritance offered to us for eternity and we will all be at the same table in heaven. With that in mind we need to view everyone here on earth as 

3.    Extend mercy and grace. God has extended such elaborate mercy and grace to us how can we not extend mercy and grace to others? How much have you been forgiven by God? Think about what he has done for you. We cannot be a living testimony of what he has done for us without extending mercy and grace. 

As you go through this week remember to be humble, recognize everyone around you as created in the image of God and extend mercy and grace as you have been given. 

 

Read Luke 7:36-50. How have you judged those around you? Have you seen them as created and loved by God or as something “less”? How will you demonstrate the mercy and grace of Christ to those around you this week?  

Come and See: Encounters With Jesus “The Dismissed”

Come and See: Encounters With Jesus
“The Dismissed”
Luke 7:36-50  (CSB)

 

Key Truth: All are invited to come and see the truth found in Jesus.

Main Question: How can we demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance to the marginalized and dismissed among us? 

1.        Humble yourself before God and others. (vs. 36-39)

Why do we marginalize people?

a.         Our own unhealthy sense of pride. 

b.         Unbiblical standards we have put on ourselves and others.

c.         A lack of compassion and love for others. 

d.         We have forgotten that we too were once outsiders.

 

2.        Recognize all people as created in the image of God. (vs. 40-43) 

3.        Extend mercy and grace. (vs. 44-50)

After the Message: 
Read Luke 7:36-50. How have you judged those around you? Have you seen them as created and loved by God or as something “less”? How will you demonstrate the mercy and grace of Christ to those around you this week?  

What To Do If You Are In A Vulnerable Season Of Life

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand† of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:6-9 

What To Do If You Are In A Vulnerable Season Of Life

Jesus meets people in their deepest moments of discouragement, loneliness, hopelessness and doubt. He gives comfort and security when everything seems uncertain. He trades life for death, beauty for ashes, restoration for ruins. We may not see these things happen before our eyes, but they can happen in our hearts.  

A couple of weeks ago we saw Jesus bring the son of a vulnerable woman back to life. She was a widow and her only son just died. Jesus reversed death and gave life, much like he does for you and me. Is there anyone more vulnerable than someone dead in sin, lost and facing eternal separation from God? Satan dancing all around them, rejoicing and preying on them in their vulnerability. There is nothing more vulnerable than a soul lost for eternity, but Jesus had compassion on us, gave his life as a sacrifice so we could be forgiven and have eternal life with God. He reversed death and gave us life.   

Even in today’s modern society, an older woman alone is still vulnerable in some situations. That may not be a popular opinion, but it is truth. Even just living alone for anyone - male or female -makes you feel vulnerable. It makes you think twice before climbing a ladder. Being alone in this world is still a vulnerable position. 

When we are in vulnerable seasons, and we are not connected to the Lord – the Vine – we can end up latching on to the wrong things looking for that connection that only he can give. We may feel desperate, alone, scared, hopeless, and we will take anything that takes that feeling away. It is so important to stay connected to the true Vine because, as the verse above says, Satan is on the prowl, and he preys on the vulnerable. He is the wolf in sheep’s clothing that looks like a safe place, a comforting place, or a place where we feel seen and loved but it is a trap. 

What do we do when we are in a vulnerable season of life? 

Abide. Cling to Jesus. Draw from the Vine. Vulnerability can cause confusion, doubt, fear and panic. We need to lean into the Savior we know and remain in him. Dwell in him. Don’t run from thing to thing looking for safety, peace, distraction, or security because we will not find it when we look anywhere other than Jesus. 

Abide in me, and I in you…  We are tethered to Jesus. He abides in us as we abide in him. It is simple really. It just requires us to be still and remain in him. The problem is that when we are vulnerable we try to do whatever we can to get rid of that feeling and we end up doing things that leave us even more vulnerable. Stop looking in all the wrong places and running to all the wrong things. Lean into Jesus and just stay, remain, abide in him and let his presence in you wash over you with a peace that transcends all circumstances and seasons. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:4-11

Our Help and Comfort in Life

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

Our Help and Comfort in Life

God really did do a wonderful and loving thing for us by giving the Holy Spirit as our Helper. We have the Holy Spirit with us all the time – He never leaves our side. In fact, our body is a temple – the home of the Holy Spirit. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV He is our constant companion. 

In the scripture above, Jesus was talking to the disciples before He went to heaven and telling them that the Holy Spirit (Helper) would come to them/us after He goes away. The Holy Spirit is a helper given to us who provides us so many different things. Some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us:

·         Helper - But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 16:7

·         Teacher - …the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

·         Convicts Us of Sin - And when He comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…John:16:8

·          Reveals Truth - When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth… John 16:13

·         Gives Spiritual Gifts - All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11

·         Seals Our Inheritance - In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit… Ephesians 1:13

·         Provides Strength in Our Weakness - Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness… Romans 8:26a

·         Sanctifies Us - But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

·         Comforts - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13

One of the greatest gifts of the Holy Spirit to us is that He is our comforter. The Greek word for “Comforter” or “Counselor” is parakletos. which means one called to the side of another, or coming alongside another to counsel or support the one who needs it. This Counselor, or Paraclete, is God the Holy Spirit, who has been called to our side. This is God Himself dwelling in every believer.

When hope runs out, when doubt sets in, and troubles come, we know God has overcome the world and He has already won all our battles. But we still have to walk through the valleys and live through the battles. We are more than conquerors, but in the middle of the battles it doesn’t feel like it. We have the Holy Spirit with us and this examples for us what we should do for others when we can - come alongside them for support along the way.

Because we have the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to endure anything in this life alone. He never leaves our side, never closes His eyes and sleeps, never turns His head away. Through the he lonely, difficult times He is always there. He gives us the comfort we need that no one else can give us.  Even if we don't feel His presence we can know that He is always there.  

Hope for the Hurting

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Hope for the Hurting – Luke 5:12-14 Submitted by Kay Crumley

In alignment a recent sermon by Pastor Jim, Jesus loves the vulnerable. That is good news for each of us, His followers. How often do we hear, or think, my problem isn’t big enough to take to God, He won’t care about that. The truth is that we are told in 1 Peter 5:7 to throw all our concerns/anxieties on Him because He cares for us. As a child I never hesitated to run to my parents with even the smallest of concerns knowing they would hear me, care about me, and put a band aid on even the most minor injury. We don’t just have to gently, shyly lay our cares at His feet; we can, with all our might cast them on Him. We are taught that our God cares about us more than any earthly parent in Isaiah 49:15. This is the best news we can have. Even more, He cares for those who are rejected by society as we see in Luke 5. No where in scripture does it say we must first ‘measure up’ to be loved by God.  

While Jesus was traveling from one town to another people were talking about what He was doing and saying. A man who was covered with a skin disease that caused him to be an outcast heard about this man Jesus. A leper was feared in that time because a disease like this might be contagious, incurable, lead to death. As a result, one suffering leprosy was rejected, unable to worship in the temple, enter the village, hold a job, or have any contact with one who did not have the disease. In desperation he ran to Jesus, fell at His feet and begged to be healed, made clean. 

12 While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

This man didn’t know Jesus but had heard of His power to heal. This was his last hope to be restored to health and life in his community. The most amazing thing happened – Jesus touched him. He could have spoken to heal the man, but He broke all the rules of the Jewish leaders and made physical contact with him. Just the touch of the Master’s hand healed the man who was an outcast, vulnerable in every way. Then Jesus commanded the man to follow all the requirements of the Law but to not tell people what had happened. The man was restored to health, Temple worship, community with others, and able to hold a job. He was fully restored by the Master because he came to Him with his pain, his anxiety. 

13 Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then he ordered him to tell no one: “But go and show yourself to the priest and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them.”

Verse 15 shows that the word did get out about the man’s healing and Jesus was bombarded with people coming to Him, bring their sick to be healed. 

16 Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.

But Jesus response in that time of extreme demand was to get away and pray. This passage teaches two responses we should practice. The man went to Jesus probably not expecting what happened but knowing Jesus held the answer to his problem. We are to take all our cares to Him trusting that He will provide the right answer in His perfect time. And then, following Jesus’ example, go to a quiet place and pray. In those times we feel overwhelmed with the demands of life; our only real solution is to step away and pray. Striving harder, sleeping less, digging deeper is not the answer. We are not the ones who have power or strength that will overcome. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus declared that All power has been given to Him in heaven and earth. In all things, go to the power source. He has the power to save, heal, comfort, and provide all. He cares for us. 

When Doubt Comes Our Way

Monday, August 17, 2026

Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news,  and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.” Matthew 11:2-6

When Doubt Comes Our Way

When was the last time you doubted or had trouble believing someone would do what they said they would do? Everyone struggles with doubt sometimes. The way we handle our doubt is the key to whether we let it strengthen our faith or live captive to doubt. As believers we still may struggle with doubt at times, even though we may not like to admit it because we think it makes us look like we have weak faith, or it is a sin to doubt. Yesterday in the sermon Pastor Jim told us that doubting is not sin, but living captive to doubt that leads us to unrepentance and falling away from Jesus is. Over the course of the Come and See series we have seen several examples in the Bible where Jesus bids us to come and see the truth found in him. That truth found in him is the foundation of our faith and it is what brings us back from doubt to truth every time. When we turn our focus back to Jesus and remember his faithfulness and how he has proven himself in our lives over and over we are reminded of the truth of who he is. 

But even when...

John the Baptist, who was Jesus’ cousin, was in jail for criticizing Herod. He had spent his adult life preparing the way for Jesus, proclaiming that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. But while he was in prison, he sent Jesus a message asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? John is having a moment of clarifying doubt, not rejecting Jesus, but a desire to clarify that Jesus is who he knows and believes him to be. For John at this time in his life, maybe he was thinking or hoping that God's power would look different in his life as he sits in prison. Even when God answers our prayers a little differently than what we ask we can have the faith to believe that he always answers for our good and his glory. 

Jesus pointed to his Father and what he was doing through him. Blind were receiving sight, those who were lame were walking, those with leprosy were cleansed, the deaf could hear, the dead raised, and the poor given good news. Just a few things that Jesus had done, but overwhelming evidence that he was indeed the long awaited Messiah. Evidence supported by eyewitness accounts. He was reminding John that God’s promises were being fulfilled, even if it looked different that John thought it would. 

Here are some points Pastor Jim gave us yesterday on doubt:

1.     Doubt is a normal part of faith.  We can be faithful followers of God and still have questions.  We can still wonder, struggle, and sometimes even feel like God has left us. 

Why do we doubt?

The lack of knowing or understanding God’s word – Do we pull tidbits out of “familiar” stories in the Bible of which we don’t really understand the deeper meaning?

Battle between our will and God’s will - are you truly surrendered?

 We don’t see God working in our circumstances. Where are you God? Why haven’t you fixed this? Don’t you care? 

 The Headlight Principle: we only see what is right in front of us. We don't know the whole story but God does. We must trust him in faith. 

2.     Doubt is answered in Jesus. Clarify your doubt by asking the question “Who is Jesus? Who is he to you and what has he done in your life in the past? When you don’t feel it remind yourself of the truth of who Jesus is and his faithfulness. 

3.     Doubt does not disqualify us. When we doubt Jesus does not turn us away. We are called to live in a healthy theology of doubt - when we lack wisdom we are to go to God in faith asking for wisdom. The Holy Spirit walks with us through our doubt and helps us to find our way back to the truth. 

How do you handle doubt? Don't avoid doubt, which could lead to spiritual stagnation. Don’t give in to doubt, which could lead to unbelief. Instead do these things:

-              List out your doubts or questions. 

-              Pray about your doubt. 

-              Get help.

-              Take a step of faith.

Faith must be personal; it is about your relationship with Jesus and staying in close proximity with the Savior helps us to turn to him instead of away when we doubt. It comes from a deep intimate relationship with him that leaves us knowing him in a different way. We forget those ways he has proved himself in our lives when we are in the middle of hard circumstances. Jesus reminds John of the things that have happened that only his Father could do. How has he proven himself over and over again in your life? What are the things that have happened in your life that you know could only be the work of the Father? It is there if we look for it and choose to remember it.