Faith Promise - What's Next - Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, November 6th
Read Luke 7:36-50
Highlight
There was a custom in the first century that allowed needy people to visit the banquets of the rich in order to receive leftovers. This is surely the custom that this woman used to be able to approach Jesus. The story of this woman is a perfect place for us to start. Her sin is unknown, though the reaction of both the Pharisee and Jesus (‘her sins, which are many…’ v.47) makes it clear that her sin is extreme. Yet the first contrast of the story is the contrast between the Pharisee and Jesus: the Pharisee condemns her, but Jesus forgives her. The second contrast is the contrast between the Pharisee and the woman. Both interact with Jesus, but the woman’s correct perception of her own need for God’s grace and mercy leads to her treating Jesus the way he deserves to be treated: with love. Jesus’ summary is perfect: ‘He who is forgiven little, loves little.’ (v.47) Of course, the true point is that we all need much forgiveness, the only difference is our realization of it! This story lays out the beautiful path of becoming a follower of Jesus: realize the depth of your sins -> trust Jesus’ love and power to forgive -> respond to Jesus doing what only He can do by loving him and others. Note that nowhere does the behavior of the woman earn anything. It is grace from start to finish, and her actions are in response to that grace rather than a desire to earn something that Jesus has decided to freely give.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 7:36-50
Highlight
There was a custom in the first century that allowed needy people to visit the banquets of the rich in order to receive leftovers. This is surely the custom that this woman used to be able to approach Jesus. The story of this woman is a perfect place for us to start. Her sin is unknown, though the reaction of both the Pharisee and Jesus (‘her sins, which are many…’ v.47) makes it clear that her sin is extreme. Yet the first contrast of the story is the contrast between the Pharisee and Jesus: the Pharisee condemns her, but Jesus forgives her. The second contrast is the contrast between the Pharisee and the woman. Both interact with Jesus, but the woman’s correct perception of her own need for God’s grace and mercy leads to her treating Jesus the way he deserves to be treated: with love. Jesus’ summary is perfect: ‘He who is forgiven little, loves little.’ (v.47) Of course, the true point is that we all need much forgiveness, the only difference is our realization of it! This story lays out the beautiful path of becoming a follower of Jesus: realize the depth of your sins -> trust Jesus’ love and power to forgive -> respond to Jesus doing what only He can do by loving him and others. Note that nowhere does the behavior of the woman earn anything. It is grace from start to finish, and her actions are in response to that grace rather than a desire to earn something that Jesus has decided to freely give.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)