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SERMONS

The Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 17, 2001

By David Christian

This spring, in the adult Sunday school class, we have been studying the book Good News of Jesus, by William Countryman. In the book Professor Countryman says that he is seeking to return to the basic message of the teaching of Jesus; to the core of his proclamation. Then Professor Countryman explores the implications of that message for our lives. The message, as he expresses it, is that in Jesus God says to us, "You are forgiven."

Professor Countryman claims that this is an absolute statement. That is, it has no conditions attached to it. Jesus does not say, "You are forgiven when ...", or "You are forgiven if ...", or "You are forgiven unless ...." He says simply, "You are forgiven." To attach any condition to this statement serves to turn the good news into bad news.

"You are forgiven."

This message is indeed good news for those people who are aware of their shortcomings and of their need for forgiveness. For them this promise can, in fact, be life changing.

But it is a message that is not particularly good news for those who have no need for forgiveness. For those people who lead pure lives, the promise of forgiveness carries little meaning.

It is not that the message is in some way bad news. It is just that it is not pertinent. It doesn't apply to them. They may as well move on to something else.

The good news of God's promise of forgiveness of sins stands at the core of today's gospel. Jesus has come to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. While they are dining a woman of the city comes into the home. Luke very pointedly describes her as "a sinner."

She proceeds to wash Jesus' feet and to anoint them. Simon is critical of Jesus because Jesus allows this contact with the sinful woman. Jesus is aware of Simon's disapproval, and he poses for him a riddle.

"A creditor," Jesus says, "had two debtors: one who owed him a little and another who owed him a lot. He forgave them both their debts. Which of them will love him more?"

Simon answers that the one who is forgiven more will love the creditor more.

Jesus then draws the comparison between the two debtors and Simon and the woman. Just as the man with the greater debt was more grateful when it was forgiven; so also the woman, who is aware of her great need for forgiveness, is grateful for the fact that her sins have been forgiven. Her response to the forgiveness that has been given to her is love.

It is important that we see clearly how forgiveness and love are related to each other in this woman's life and actions. Her acts of love do not earn her forgiveness. Jesus pointedly says, "I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love." It is her recognition of the fact that her sins have already been forgiven that allows her the freedom to love.

Forgiveness transforms. Forgiveness makes love possible. We cannot earn God's forgiveness. God's offer of forgiveness is held out to us eternally. It is held out to us before we can ask for it. It is held out to us before we can even recognize our need for it. As we recognize and accept this gift we are transformed. We become able to love and to forgive in our own turn. The whole world opens up. We become partners with Christ in the world's transformation into the kingdom of God.

If you are righteous then you do not need to be here. It's not that we don't want you here. We are happy to have you with us, but we don't really have anything to give you. The news that the Church has to offer is not meant for you. But if, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet … if, like those of us who stand here in this pulpit and at that altar week after week … if, like the people who are sitting around you … you are a sinner, then you have come to the right place. I have news for you, and the news is the best news you could possibly imagine.

God has wiped away your sins. They have been entirely set aside. And you have been invited to join with all of us other forgiven sinners in the celebration of that fact in the kingdom of God.

David Christian
The Chapel of the Cross
Madison, Mississippi

2 Samuel 11.26-12.10,13-15
Galatians 2.11-21
Luke 7.36-50