Unyime Akpan - April 21, 2024 Lessons from a Dinner Table - Forgiveness and Salvation -The Pathway to True Greatness - Luke 7:36-50

Great miracle, physical healing of a centurion servantLuke 7:1-10

Greater miracle, physical resurrection of a widow's sonLuke 7:11-17

John the Baptist the greatest person that ever livedLuke 7:18-33

Greatest miracle, salvation of a sinful woman Luke 7:36-50Luke 7:28; 33-34John 3:3.16

Based on Luke’s Gospel how many dinner ‘invitations’ did Jesus have and with whom?

3 Times in Pharisees’ homes (Luke 7, 11, 14) Teaching MomentsMatthew’s home (Luke 5) Teaching MomentMary & Martha’s home (Luke 10) Teaching MomentLast Supper in the Upper room (Luke 22) Teaching MomentPeter’s house with mother-in-law home (Luke 4)

Invitation to DinnerOne of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table.  Luke 7:36Who was Simon?Why did he invite Jesus to dinner?

Everyone Sins –Face It!Sin wears many facesWith whom do you identify in the story?Everyone falls short of God’s perfect markAll, no exclusion; All have F in lifeRomans 3:23 is still true23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, It is God’s assessment, and we need to agree with GodAll are guiltyCall sin what it is, no hang ups

God’s Business is Forgiveness –Seek It!SimonUnaware of his need; Uninterested in forgivenessBlind to himself; Blind to Jesus; Blind to the womanWomanUnderstood her condition; knew she was a sinnerKnew Jesus was a great saviorThese two truth compelled her to seek forgivenessOur greatest need is forgivenessGod’s greatest gift is to grant itWe must seek it, the prostitute did just that

God’s Word is True –Believe It!How did the sinful woman know her sins were forgiven, and she was saved?Jesus told her; A simple promise; When Jesus spoke, she believed himYour sins are forgiven; Your faith has saved you: go in peaceShe did not depend on her feelings or look at others to confirm it

How does a person know his/her sins are forgiven and he/she is saved?Do you realise you are a sinner and are repentant?Do you believe that Jesus died and rose for you?Then you are forgiven and saved because God’s words tell you soActs 10:43

Acts 10:42-43

Jesus’ Fellowship is Available –Invite It!Simon invited Jesus to dine as a guest but not as a friend?Wanted Jesus’ company but not companionship

Why is Salvation the greatest miracle and the greatest gift?What need does salvation meet? Sin –the greatest needHow much does salvation cost? Jesus Life –the greatest costHow long does salvation last? Forever (Eternal Life)

Who can receive Salvation and enter the kingdom of God? Everyone

Jesus said, “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Are your sins forgiven? Are you saved?If No, you can experience true greatness by receiving forgiveness and salvation from the Saviour

If Yes, You are already great, you have the greatest gift ever givenGrow in greatness by obeying Matthew 5:19