Key Points:

• No one is more influential in your life than you.
• Satan’s resistance is just recognition of God’s presence in your life.
• Only at the feet of Jesus does our identity change.

For Personal Journaling and/or Connect Groups:

• Think of a time when you were overwhelmingly grateful for something that was given to you. How did you respond to that gift? What kind of thankfulness did you display?
• In the story of Luke 7, we find two significant characters: Simon, the Pharisee, and the uninvited woman. Both had a role in the kingdom of God. Which do you think was living out the kingdom best and why?
• Reflecting on your own life, which character do you relate to more? What do you see God revealing to you about your life through this scripture?
• Simon, the Pharisee, is seeming to think he is right in this situation. However, Jesus teaches him that he was the wrong one. (Read the notes below to understand why he was wrong). When have you been blindsided in your life by pride? How did that work out for you? How would your identity change at the feet of Jesus?

The story of the uninvited woman and the pharisee has a large cultural back drop that can go widely unnoticed. At the time of this story, the author makes it clear to us the pharisee had been open to hear from Jesus. It was common to have leaders (rabbis) over to one’s house as a form of respect and personal teaching. Luke, the author, sets the stage the Pharisee was willing to “give Jesus a chance” as a respected leader.

It was custom to do three things when a rabbi (religious pastor) would come to your house: 1) You would give a kiss on the cheek, 2) anoint their head with oil, and 3) provide cool water for them to wash their feet. All three things showed someone a place of honor and respect as a guest in the house.

It was also the custom to only have men at a table with men and women to be in the background (either serving or preparing the food). The other thing which is unusual occurrence is the idea of the woman letting down her hair. As

in many conservative middle eastern religions today, women in Bible times would cover their hair as a form of modesty. It was generally only let down or revealed around their husbands. So, it was an act of intimacy done in private.

When the woman does this huge faux pax, she knows others are watching her. However, her love for Jesus becomes more important than what other people will think of her. She allows herself to be publicly ridiculed because she understands that who has saved her is greater than the critics in the world.

When the Pharisee sees this, he takes the attitude of right and wrong and points out that she has done an indecent thing to Jesus. He goes on to question Jesus’ knowledge as a teacher (telling him he should have known she was a sinner (verse 39)). Expecting to see Jesus rebuke her actions or openly correct her, Simon, the pharisee, finds out that HE is in the one who has done wrong. (verses 44-46)

Jesus then starts what is the biggest upset of the night. He turns the tables on the religious people and tells them they are not grateful of what they have been given. Then he forgives her of sins (which was only done by their high priests). Jesus shows us a picture of the heart of God and how God desires thankfulness and unashamed boldness as opposed to religious piety.

“Win The War In Your Mind : Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” by Craig Groeschel