The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost

Luke 7:36-40; 19:1-10; Psalm 34:8
 
A tale of 2 meals – 2 hosts, among many, which were written for "ensamples" of stories (1 Cor. 10:11)
 
Meal One – Simon invites Jesus (Luke 7:36-40)
Hosting a meal in Jesus' Day

• It was a sign of importance.
• The host should get meal well prepared, greet the guest with a kiss, anoint the head with oil (for a special guest), and have a servant provide water and oil for washing the hands and feet.

 
Simon's failure to provide such a customary treatment to Jesus – was it studied insult? or laziness or forgetfulness?
Imagine –

• What did Simon think of himself? (Simon was full of himself.)
• What was his attitude to the bad woman who interrupted? What did Jesus think of her? (The woman had come to the end of herself totally.)
• Did she earn forgiveness by her action? By no means. Did she get extra-merit by her actions? (You can't do anything to make Jesus love you more.)
• Is she remembered and celebrated for her actions? (Exactly.)

 
Another Meal with another host – Zachaeus welcomed Jesus gladly (Luke 19:1-10).

• This host is surprised and overwhelmed.
• His response – thankfulness, gratitude, repentance.
• Many "sinners" also came to Jesus at this meal.

 
Final Reflection and Introspection:

• How do WE respond to "sinners"? (Grace is enough for all sinners. Why don't we forgive other sinners?)
• Do we remember WE have been forgiven much?
• The table/meal is the place where broken sinners find connection and belonging.

 
 
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