Forgiveness and New Life

Luke 7:36-50; Galatians 2:20

(woman's voice can be used very effectively) From Luke's Gospel - a story of forgiveness and new life

PAUSE 3 sec.

The dining porch of Simon the Pharisee could easily be seen from the dark narrow street outside where the evening crowds battled their way homeward. (PAUSE 3 SEC.) Presently, a door from the street opened upon the happy chatter of Simon's party. A woman found her way to the couch of the Pharisee's honored guest. Standing at the feet of Jesus, weeping, she broke an alabaster cruse of ointment and anointed His feet. Tears of repentance and gratitude flowed fast.

She said within herself, "Has He not said it - that He has the power to forgive sins? And have I not found Him true; for He has made me a new person by the gift of a full forgiveness! * These were her unspoken thoughts. Jesus turned to Simon, answering the silence about them, and the contempt in the eyes of the Pharisees, saying, "Her sins which are many, are forgiven her. And you know, Simon, that the one to whom much is forgiven is the one who loves much!" (*) And as the woman turned to leave, Jesus said unto her: "Go in peace." (PAUSE 3 SEC.) She went out happy, because of the peace she now possessed in her heart - peace with God. And she thought: "I love Him! How I love the Saviour! In His salvation which is continually mine, I am a new person! (PAUSE 3 SEC.)

Who can forgive sins but God only? Nevertheless, Jesus has power to forgive sins, because He is God as well as man.

And through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. For He died for all that they which live should henceforth live, not unto themselves, but (*) unto Him Who died for them and rose again. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin. (PAUSE 3 sec.) Do you not wish to know Christ now and turn your back on the habits of sin? For unless you repent, you will perish! But come to Jesus and trust Him for a full forgiveness! Then you will sing a new song, saying: "All things are become new. And the life which now I live, I live by the faithfulness of Him Who loved me and gave Himself for me."



Sound effects: music and crowds