Woman Anoints Jesus, Luke 7:36-50

When we look at the story of the Canaanite Woman we see Jesus for the first time doing something that we are unable to do. He forgives sins!!! This really shows that Jesus is not just a man but also God. He is God in flesh. After forgiving this woman many people begin to ask this question; “Who is he who can forgive sins?”

Romans 5:8 says that “While we were still sinners Christ died for us.” If we were living in the 1st century and we read this verse the word that shock us it the word “Christ”. They were eagerly waiting for “Christ” to come but didn’t know what it looked like. This title given to Jesus is recognizing that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecy of the Old Testament in order to save us from our sins.

It was not an accident or a mistake. God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Why?

Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We deserve nothing but death, but God is giving His Son as a gift. What are we going to do now?

Are we going to respond like Simon who was distant and ignored Jesus’ gift of forgiveness? Or are we going to respond like the Canaanite woman, who loved much because she was forgiven much?

Accept God’s gift of forgiveness. He sent His one and only Son that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Do you believe?

Conflict and Forgiveness, Matthew 18:15-35

Hear from Lisa this week about how Jesus instructs us to resolve conflicts!

If we love people (namely our brothers and sisters in Christ) then we will
confront them when we are hurt by them. Too often we let things harbor when
we shouldn't. The bible is very clear on this approach. We are
supposed to first talk to them one on one and if they don't listen then we
are to bring another with us and if they still don't listen then we are
supposed to remove ourselves from fellowship with them until they make
things right. If at any point they ask forgiveness then we are to forgive
them and not hold it over their head again.

If we truly grasp God's grace and forgiveness in our own lives-- that once we were wretched and
we are only good because of HIM-- then we can freely give grace and forgiveness to
others. Amazing Grace! Read through Matthew 18:15-to the end.

Who is the Greatest?, Matthew 18

The disciples are traveling back to their hometown with Jesus. As they walk along the road some of them fall back behind Jesus and start talking, debating, questioning, arguing, and ultimately fighting about one thing...WHO IS THE GREATEST? You see, by this time Jesus was very popular. He was attracting large crowds everywhere he went and the disciples were his right hand guys. They began to wonder of their own fame that might grow as Jesus gets more popular. So they began to dispute which of them was the greatest of Jesus' guys.

Uon arriving back in Capernum, Jesus asks them what they were arguing about on the road. And so they ask, "Jesus, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responds (as he always seems to do) with an answer that goes straight to the heart. He brought a little child to his side and told them to become like this child! "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

What is it about a child that is so admirable? they have no status. they are completely dependent. they are willing to say what is on their heart. they are completely honest. they are so innocent.

As we grow up, we start to become more independent. we don't need others help and we don't depend on God for things. But Jesus drives us back to the heart of a child. it's not about who is #1. it's not about who is at the top of the charts. What matters is that our hearts are child like as we daily depend on God.

So who is the greatest? it's certainly not determined by your ability or position or what you possess. it's about where your heart is. Become the least and serve those around you. then you will find what is great.

"Come to me all who are weary", Matthew 11:28-30

it's a simple message. Not too complicated. Easy to understand. Speaking straight to the heart.

Jesus wants those who are weary and burdened to come to him. We don't quite identify with the term yoke these days. it was something that was placed on the back or head of an animal to help pull a heavy load. it was for bearing weight. Probably the closest thing we can identify with today is a backpack.

You know when you come home from school and you throw that backpack into a corner of the room? Your shoulders are tired and you want that weight off your back. That's what Jesus is talking about here. We all carry burdens. things that weigh us down. Maybe today you find yourself worn out and burdened. Perhaps things in the family are rough. Maybe school work is getting overwhelming. Sports and other activities are keeping you way too busy, always on the go. There is no time for rest.

Jesus says 'Come to Me'. His backpack is easy, his burden is light.

There is something about the way of Jesus that isn't as burdensome as the way of the world. it's definitely not easier. it's definitely not without trouble. But for some reason, it is lighter. things become bareable when you let Jesus help carry the load.

Jesus says Learn from me. As we learn to 'walk it out' in his way, we will see this truth come alive. His Yoke is easy. His burden is light.

In Jesus you find rest for your weary soul. Slow down and consider the way you are walking in. Listen as Jesus speaks these simple words, "Come to me"

The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus has something to say that may put a damper on the American Dream. As the crowds gather around him, he begins to talk about the people who are lucky in this world. the people that have it good. Were he to stand before us today, we might expect him to tell us of the Hollywood stars, the professional athletes, lottery winners, and Bill Gates. Because those are who we think have it good.

But Jesus speaks of a different dream. And it is not American. It is out of this world. It is another Kingdom. The kingdom of heaven. This dream says that lucky are those who are poor, who mourn, the humble, the hungry and thirsty people for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted. These are the lucky people in his world.

HOW IN THE WORLD DOES A POOR PERSON HAVE IT BETTER THAN ME?

think about it. a poor person is in the ideal position to be open to receiving fully what God has to offer.
We are proud. Poor people are humble
We are independent. The poor are dependent
We need no one. The poor need any and everyone to reach out and help.
We think we are important. The poor understand they are just a man.
We can take care of ourselves. The poor need someone to open their door.

It's a condition of the heart. Jesus sees their heart and says that is more desirable than the pride of the rich. Following Jesus is not the same as following the American Dream where you have whatever you want whenever you want it. It's not about climbing the ladder of success. it's not a race to the top. it's a race to the bottom.

it's okay to become successful. there is not anything wrong with being rich. The bible is full of the richest people that ever walked the face of this earth. It's not about your bank account. it's about your heart.

So, who is lucky? who has it good in this life? The person whose heart is positioned best to receive what our great God has to offer. Those who are poor.

We have a lot to learn from our poor neighbors.