Food for ThoughtsSample

What Does Jesus Want Us to Know About Sin?

(Focus Verses: Luke 7:39-43)

1) We All Deserve Death

In the original Greek language, “sin” means “to miss the mark." Sin is any act of disobedience to God’s commands. Recognizing this, Simon was shocked to see Jesus allow a sinner to wash His feet. However, by this logic, Jesus should have never allowed Simon to feed Him because Simon was just as guilty as the woman, regardless of his religious status. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and all sin is deserving of death (Rom. 6:23).

2) He Died So That We Can Live

Seeing Simon’s frustration, Jesus tells a short story about two people who had their debts forgiven by a lender. The purpose of the story is to show that the one who had the larger amount forgiven would likely love the lender more. This story is intended to explain the woman’s incredible act of worship. She knew that Jesus, who never sinned, would soon pay the debt that she could never repay!

3) Freedom Has a Purpose

The freedom we receive through Jesus is the hope that everyone in our lives longs for. Your purpose is to tell as many people as you can that their debt has been paid, and they don’t need to live in their sin any longer!

Big Idea

Since we’re all dead in our sins, we have no right to cast judgment on others. Knowing that we can’t save ourselves, Jesus paid off our debt through His death on the cross, setting us free to share Him with others!

Let's Think About This:

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Luke 7:39-43?

Question #2: Which of the three things Jesus wants us to know about “sin” (1. We All Deserve Death; 2. He Died So That We Can Live; 3. Freedom Has a Purpose) resonated the most with you?

Question #3: Why is it important to understand sin and its impact on people? How does Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection give us hope?