Community Group Questions: May 19th-25th

May 19th, 2024
by Karissa Smith

Luke 7:36-50

A Sinful Woman Forgiven

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward 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 has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among[a] themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Questions:

Doctrine - How we Think

How does the first half of Luke 7:42 inform our attempts to earn forgiveness?
Consider the cost for Jesus to forgive this one very sinful woman. Discuss the following costs for Jesus to forgive all those who come to Him in repentance:
- Physical cost
- Theological cost
- Relational cost
Notice the interesting turn that Jesus takes toward Simon in verses 44-47. How is Simon different from the woman? How is she better than he? Who do you think is the worse sinner here, the woman or Simon? (Note: There is no right answer)

Worship - How we Feel

The woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears was a known sinner with a reputation that preceded her. How can one’s past and reputation keep them from seeking Jesus?
How does remembering Jesus’ posture towards sinners and sufferers affect how you come to Jesus for forgiveness?

Application - What we Do

The forgiven woman shows great gratitude and love. What is one step you might take to cultivate a heart of gratitude to God this week?
How can your group pray for you as you seek to extend mercy and forgiveness to others?