“Faith that Saves” – Luke 7:36-50 – June 17, 2004

In Atlanta, Georgia, Genarlow Wilson, has had his 10-year prison sentence voided by a judge. Wilson had been accused of a sex crime with a 17-year old girl. A jury found the honor student guilty in 2005 of aggravated child molestation for having oral sex with a 15-year-old girl during a 2003 New Year's Eve party involving alcohol and marijuana. Although the sex act was consensual it was illegal under Georgia law.

Wilson's original sentence, for aggravated child molestation, was widely criticized on the grounds it was grossly disproportionate to the crime, and state lawmakers later passed a law to close the loophole that led to the 10-year sentence. Wilson, now 21, has already served more than 27 months.

The state prosecutor wants to appeal the case which means Wilson could have to continue to remain in jail during the appeals process. Several influential people, including former president, Jimmy Carter, have come forward in support of setting Wilson free
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This story is some ways is very similar to the sinful woman that Jesus forgave. She was most likely a prostitute and in that society she would have been highly humiliated and judged as one of society’s scum. But, as a recipient of God’s grace she was forgiven and was free to live her life. In response to her new found freedom and personal worth she showed love for Jesus by kissing and anointing Jesus’ feet.

On the other hand, Simon, a Pharisee, was quick to judge her and said privately, “Jesus should know what kind of woman this is who is touching him.” Simon represents those like the state prosecutor in Atlanta who want to push the letter of the law. They are the law abiders in society, those who feel self righteous because they never do anything wrong. They believe they are faithful because they obey all the rules.

Jesus, however lived by grace. He was compassionate, loving and forgiving. He did not condemn nor judge the woman. To make his case, just as an attorney would, he told the story of the two debtors. This was to illustrate to Simon that those who love more are those who have experienced forgiveness more. Jesus then compared the woman to Simon by saying she had shown him great love while Simon showed him no hospitality at all. Simon was quick to judge the woman but did nothing to welcome Jesus at the banquet.

Which kind of person are you? Are you like Simon, filled with righteous indignation, judging others because of the skeletons in their closet? They are the ones who show no mercy. Or, are you like the woman, aware of your sins, knowing that you fall short and need the grace of God to be whole? She was the one who was open and caring, compelled to share what she had, one who lived with a generous spirit.

Fred Craddock tells of the time he and his wife slipped away to the mountains for a few days of relaxation. As they sat in a little restaurant, they saw a man going from table to table greeting diners. Eventually he made his way to the Craddock's table and, learning that Fred was a minister, he insisted on telling them his story.

The man said he had been born just a few miles from that spot, across the mountain. His mother had not been married when he was born, and the criticism directed at her also hit him. His schoolmates learned from their parents how to ridicule, and the boy learned to stay to himself at lunch and recess, lest their insults strike too hard. Even more difficult were trips to town with his mother when he could feel the looks and the shaking of heads, and he heard the question, "I wonder who his father is?"

When he was about twelve, a new pastor came to the little community church. People talked about his skill as a preacher, and the boy began to go hear for himself. He was fascinated by the preacher, but he was always careful to slip in late, sit in the back and leave early, lest someone catch him and ask, "What's a boy like you doing here?"

One Sunday, though, he was so caught up in the service that he forgot to slip out before it was over. Suddenly he felt a big hand on his shoulder, and as he turned around he saw the face of that preacher. The preacher said, "Who are you, son? Whose boy are you?" His young heart sank at the question, but then the preacher went on: "Wait a minute. I know who you are. The family resemblance is unmistakable. You are a child of God!" And with that he patted the boy on the back and added, "Boy, that's quite an inheritance. Go and claim it."

On that day the boy changed to manhood in that restaurant. The old man said to Fred and his wife, "That one statement literally changed my whole life." He explained that his name was Ben Hooper and he had twice been elected governor of the state of Tennessee. His had been a successful and respected life, made possible by a small-town minister who cared enough to encourage a little boy. (from Preaching, March/April, 95)

The last thing Jesus said to the woman as she left the party was, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Her faith was genuine because she received God’s forgiveness and responded with acts of love and compassion. Simon’s faith fell short. He showed no hospitality. He judged and criticized the woman instead of accepting her. And because he followed all the laws of Moses he considered himself superior to those who didn’t.

Faith that saves is a faith that forgives.

A young boy borrowed the family car without permission, knowing he could have it home and safely in the garage before his father found out. He hadn't reckoned on getting rear-ended at the second intersection he came to. There was no way to conceal the damage so he parked the car and closed the garage door. Then he spent an evening agonizing over how to deal with his father when he arrived home.

When his dad walked in, the young man flashed a look of terror. He told his father everything, complete with profuse apology. His father walked with the son to the garage and looked long and hard and silently at the damage. Then he said, "Insurance will cover it. It wouldn't have covered the broken trust between you and me, however. Fortunately your apology took care of that."

"Can you ever forgive me, Dad?" "I have already. You have learned your lesson. Forget about it." A week later the son, still guilt-driven, came to his father and said, "Dad, in case they raise our insurance rates because of the accident, I'm willing to earn the money to pay the difference in the premiums." His father didn't even look up from his newspaper as he said, simply, "What accident?

A faith that saves is a faith that loves. The woman in the story bathed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with oil. The oil was expensive, a lavish gift for someone who had very little. Jesus applauded her hospitality. She made him feel welcome and appreciated.

The story is told of a man and woman who gave a sizeable contribution to their church to honor the memory of their son who lost his life in the war. When the announcement was made to the congregation of the generous donation, a woman whispered to her husband, “Let’s give the same amount in honor of each of our boys.” The husband replied, “What are talking about? Neither of our sons was killed in the war.” “Exactly,” said the woman. “Let’s give it as an expression of our gratitude to God for sparing their lives.”

Like that mother, the woman in our story gave in appreciation for the life she had been given. Through the grace of God and the acceptance of Jesus her life was whole again. She therefore responded graciously in return.

Finally, a faith that saves is a faith that knows peace. There is no greater peace that the peace you receive through forgiveness. Ben Hooper realized that peace when he learned he was a child of God. Being accepted, being welcomed, or being forgiven makes us feel whole and worthy.

A businessman hurriedly plunked a dollar into the cup of a man who was selling flowers on a street corner and rushed away. Half a block down the street, he suddenly whirled about and made his way back to the beggar. “I’m sorry,” he said, picking out a flower from the bunch that the beggar had in a canister beside him. “In my haste I failed to take my purchase. After all, you are a businessman just like me. Your merchandise is fairly priced and of good quality. I trust you won’t be upset with my failure to take more care of my purchase.” And with that, the businessman smiled and walked away, flower in hand.

At lunch, a few weeks later, the businessman was approached by a neatly dressed, well-groomed man who introduced himself. He then said, “I’m sure you don’t remember me, and I don’t even know your name, but your face is one I will never forget. You are the man who inspired me to make something of myself. I was a vagrant selling flowers until you gave me back my self-respect. Now I believe I am truly a businessman.”

Go in peace.

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio