Determined Study - Week 3, Day 2: Luke 7:36-50

In today's discussion, we delve into a poignant moment from Luke 7, contrasting the setting of a Pharisee's dinner party with what might be a more familiar dinner party setting for us. Hannah highlights the cultural context of dining in Jesus' time and ponders the reasons behind Jesus' invitation by Simon the Pharisee. The episode emphasizes the transformative encounter between Jesus and a woman whose act of devotion exemplifies a heartfelt response to Jesus' call for the weary to find rest in Him.

 

Scripture Reading:

Luke 7:36-50

 

Big Idea:

Today's core message is that genuine gratitude towards Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins cultivates deep devotion. The narrative showcases a woman's act of washing Jesus' feet with her tears and anointing them with perfume as a powerful expression of her gratitude and love, highlighting the impact of recognizing and receiving Jesus' forgiveness.

 

Devotional:

Hannah paints a vivid picture of the woman's departure from the Pharisee's home, transformed and at peace after her encounter with Jesus. This transformation is a testament to the profound relief and joy that comes from being forgiven. Martin Luther's description of the woman's tears as "heart water" underscores the depth of her gratitude and the unbreakable affection that arises from acknowledging the gift of forgiveness. Hannah encourages us to cultivate a similar heart of gratitude through daily practices of thankfulness.

 

Embracing Gratitude:

• Cultivating a Grateful Heart: Suggestions for infusing our daily lives with gratitude towards Jesus for His blessings and forgiveness.
• Devotion Through Gratitude: Exploring how gratitude can lead us to a more devoted and fulfilling relationship with Jesus.
• Practical Steps: Ideas for incorporating gratitude into everyday life, including prayer, journaling, and Scripture meditation.

 

Questions to Ponder:

1. How do you understand "soul rest," and can you share a moment when you sought rest for your soul?
2. Reflect on your response to forgiveness from Jesus. Does humility come easily or is it a challenge?
3. What does "going in peace" mean to you, especially after receiving forgiveness for sins?

 

Wrap-Up:

As we close today's episode, we're reminded of the transformative power of forgiveness and the peace that follows true repentance and humility before Jesus. The story of the woman's devotion to Jesus encourages us to approach Him with a grateful heart, recognizing the profound love and forgiveness He offers.

 

Join us tomorrow for Week 3, Day 3, of Determined: Living Like Jesus in Every Moment, as we continue to explore the depth and breadth of living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings and example.

 

Final Bits:

• Purchase the workbook here (affiliate link) for our Spring Bible study of Determined: Living Like Jesus in Every Moment, a six-week study of Luke by Heather M. Dixon. Sign up here to receive content and reminders by email. 
• No Dusty Bibles Community: We're more than just a podcast; we're a community committed to keeping our Bibles open and active. Dive deeper into God's Word and connect with fellow believers who share your passion for Scripture.
• Weekly Email Sign-Up: Interested in getting more out of your Bible study? Sign up to receive our weekly email at No Dusty Bibles. Every Monday we’ll send you a weekly reading plan and extra resources to enhance your understanding of the Bible.
• The Rescued Letters Collective: Learn more about our broader mission at The Rescued Letters Collective. Visit this link for more information and to follow us on social media. Stay connected with us and be part of a movement that brings hope and healing through the power of God's Word.

 

We love hearing from our listeners! Share your insights, questions, or prayer requests. Join our online community for supportive and engaging discussions or email us at hello@therescuedletters.com.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the No Dusty Bibles Podcast. Remember, every page turned in the Bible is a step closer to understanding the heart of God. We're here to journey with you, one chapter at a time.

Portions of today’s episode are adapted from Determined: Living Like Jesus in Every Moment, by Heather M. Dixon, © 2019 by Abingdon Press, all rights reserved. 

In our daily readings, we are grateful to utilize the World English Bible (WEB) translation, a resource committed to making the words of Scripture accessible to all. The WEB is in the public domain, allowing it to be freely used and shared. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the contributors and supporters of the World English Bible for their dedication to making this valuable translation available to the public. Their work enables us to explore and share the Bible's teachings with everyone, furthering our mission to make the Bible accessible and available for every woman.