Outline
I. OBJECTIVES
A. General
1. To teach the parable of the two debtors in all its facets.
B. Specific
1. To show another of Jesus' simple illustrations and how profound they are.
2. To teach about the sin of self-righteousness along with how it harms one's relationship with the Lord and others.
3. To show that time and again, the Lord Jesus uses "logic" and deductive reasoning in His ministering to people. Christianity is indeed sensible and logical.
INTRODUCTION:
Most of us can recognize the self-righteous Christian who always has something negative to say about someone else. He or she is quick to point out the stumbling of another, to share the latest "sin" or stupidity or smug "cut." Sadly, most of us can also recognize when we have joined in with this kind of conversation or attitude.
We are so "together" and others are such sinners, fools, slow-to-learn, etc. And we fall right in line with Simon the Pharisee. Indeed the word pharisee has come to mean one who "looks down his religious nose at others."
This lesson, and the parable highlighted in it, will serve as a reminder to all of your students -- and yourself no doubt -- that Jesus has little regard for the person who sees himself as needing little forgiveness. We must constantly remember that our lives are as good or bad as we work at making them, but that has little to do with what was forgiven. Romans 6:23 says that the "wages of sin are death...." Plain and simple that means that if we "got what we had coming" from an earthly judicial system, we would be condemned to death, in the company of rapists, first-degree murderers, and kidnappers. What a crowd our sins force us to join! Spiritually, the cost of our sins is even worse. The death spoken of in Romans 6:23 means not only physical separation from bodily life, but spiritual separation from God -- HELL! Perhaps we do have a lot to be thankful for after all?!?!
In today's lesson, you have an opportunity to teach another of Jesus' own personal lessons, to remind your class members about this area of self-righteousness and how destructive it can be, PLUS you have a perfect introduction to a soulwinning opportunity if you need it.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak clearly to your heart and mind and empower you as you teach. Texts: Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
LESSON PLAN I. OBJECTIVES A. General 1. To teach the parable of the two debtors in all its facets. B. Specific 1. To show another of Jesus' simple illustrations and how profound they are. 2. To teach about the sin of self-righteousness along with how it harms one's relationship with the Lord and others. 3. To show that time and again, the Lord Jesus uses "logic" and deductive reasoning in His ministering to people. Christianity is indeed sensible and logical. II. Presentation A. Teacher's presentation 1. Scriptural Basis a.Before we get to the actual exposition of the parable, there are a number of things you might want to bring to your class' attention:
This parable is found only in the Gospel of Matthew.
Jesus recounted it while dining in the house of a Pharisee named Simon.
Though the exact location of Simon's home is not given, we might imagine that it was somewhat north of Jerusalem, perhaps somewhere between Bethel and the area of the Jordan River north of Jericho. We say this because John the Baptist did his work in that area of the Jordan and some had come to Jesus. Plus the fact that Nain, mentioned in Matthew 7:11 is believed to be located just east of Bethel. An east-west line would connect these two areas.
Remember - a parable is not about real people - it is a story used to illustrate a truth. This parable was recounted in the home of a real person, however.
b.BEFORE THE PARABLE:
Luk 7:36-39 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. [37] And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, [38] And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. [39] Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
Some think this woman was Mary Magdalene, the woman who had been indwelt by seven demons.
Notice also that Jesus knew what Simon was thinking, as He does for us all.
Remember that God is the director of events. It was no accident that this poor woman would come into the banquet at Simon's and weep and worship.
Remember also that God uses all things for God for the believer who loves and serves the Lord.
c.Luk 7:40-50 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. [41] There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. [42] And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? [43] Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. [44] And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. [45] Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. [46] My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. [47] Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. [48] And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. [49] And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? [50] And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
d.EXPOSITORY TEACHING:
v 41 - Jesus, like many good teachers, when faced with a difficult lesson for the hearer, first gained His host's permission to speak.
v 42 - "A certain creditor" - no names
"Pence" - Baker's Encyclopedia of the Bible says that a pence is a Roman denarius or Greek drachma (draak-ma). If that is so, it would roughly equal a working man's daily wages. (Also called a penny.)
One debtor owed 500 pence and the other owed 50. One man owed the equivalent of over one and one-half year's wages; the other almost two month's wages.
v. 42 When they "had nothing to pay" i.e., when neither man could afford to pay back what they owed, the man who had loaned to both of them forgave the total debts of both.
"Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?" - Jesus asked a question calling for Simon to use his intellectual powers on a basic question.
v. 43 Simon answered as virtually all of us would have, that the one who was forgiven the most would love the most.
v 44-46 Jesus now delivers the "hard stuff" to Simon. He knew that Simon scorned the woman as a sinner, remember (v39). Now Christ bears down on this hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
Paraphrase: "You did not treat me well when I came to your home, but this woman has gone far beyond politeness in her worship of me!"
Oh, how Simon must have been enraged! Who does this Galileean think he is!?
v 47 Jesus makes some interesting statements in this verse:
1) He proclaims the woman forgiven, also admitting that she was indeed one with many sins in her life.
2) He states that he knows the state of her heart as demonstrated by her actions "she loved much."
We ought to remember that words are just words until tied to real actions where love is concerned. Do we use love carelessly? Do we talk of love and act without it? Jesus knows the difference and so do we all eventually.
3) "To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." - The lesson here is not that there are those with little to be forgiven, but that some who see themselves as having little to be forgiven love the Lord little.
THE MESSAGE HERE IS THE SIN OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOW IT AFFECTS PEOPLE:
SIMON THE PHARISEE WAS SELF-RIGHTEOUS. BECAUSE HE FELT THAT HE WAS "RELIGIOUSLY CORRECT" HE COULD JUDGE THE WOMAN WHO WAS WORSHIPPING THE LORD.
ALSO HE WAS CHASTENED FOR HIS LACK OF SOCIAL GRACES BY THE LORD. BECAUSE JESUS DID NOT WEAR THE GARMENTS OF A PHARISEE, DID NOT KEEP THE FOOLISH RULES OF THE DAY, AND DID NOT SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM THE MASSES AS THE PHARISEES, SIMON FELT THAT HE COULD TREAT CHRIST CARELESSLY. CERTAINLY THE LORD DID NOT EXCUSE RUDENESS, JUST AS HE DOES NOT TODAY. PERHAPS WE MIGHT LEARN THAT A PLEASING PERSONALITY WILL GO FAR IN OUR TESTIMONY FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
1) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS - CAUSES THE ONE WHO HAS THIS SIN TO SEE HIMSELF AS "ABOVE" OTHER PEOPLE - IT IS ARROGANCE.
"That condition which makes everyone sick except the one who has it." Mark Twain.
2) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS - CAUSES HURTFUL THINGS TO BE SAID ABOUT SOMEONE WHO PERHAPS ALREADY HAS ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH IN THEIR LIVES AS THEY BATTLE THE VERY SINS FOR WHICH THE SELF- RIGHTEOUS ARE GOSSIPING.
3) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS - CAUSES AN ARROGANCE WHICH PLACES ONE ABOVE EVEN THOSE IN AUTHORITY. AN UNTEACHABLE SPIRIT DEVELOPS WHICH THEN IS MANIFESTED IN THE ABILITY TO FIND FAULT WITH EVERY IDEA, ACTIVITY AND MOTIVE. THIS KIND OF PERSON IS ABLE TO SPOT FLAWS AND SINS WHERE NONE EXIST IN EVERYONE BUT HIMSELF.
4) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS - CAUSES THE DOWNFALL OF OTHERS. JUST AS A GRENADE EXPLODING SCATTERS HURTFUL PIECES OF DESTRUCTION IN EVERY DIRECTION, LEADING OTHERS INTO THE SIN, DISCOURAGING THE INNOCENTS ON THE FRINGE, AND HURTING THE LORD'S CHURCH! 5) SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS - PERHAPS THE WORST OF ALL -- IT CAUSES ONE TO BE FURTHER AND FURTHER FROM THE LORD, EVEN AS THEY SEE THEMSELVES BEING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO HIM. IT IS A BLINDNESS THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION -- IN THEIR WALK, THEIR TESTIMONY AND EVENTUALLY THEIR LOT IN ETERNITY (REWARDS).
2. Simple, Practical Basis a.POLITICALLY CORRECT) AND RC (RELIGIOUSLY CORRECT) - We as Bible-believing Christians often are frustrated by the liberal "politically correct" demands that state what is acceptable and unacceptable according to the latest social-chic. It is acceptable to march for the purpose of saving whales, an owl in the forests of Washington state, but unaccptable to march to save 1.5 million aborted babies a year.
It is fashionable to be a homosexual, but not to abstain from sexual sins.
It is politically correct to tell lies ad infinitum if that will get one elected to government office, for surely the truth would not have worked, but it is a sin to lie about one's taxes as a private citizen.
Obviously all of this PC stuff is nonsense, as witnessed by those who practice it.
HOWEVER, ARE WE ALSO GUILTY OF IT AMONG OUR COMMUNITY OF CHRISTIANS?
We often are guilty of poor treatment socially of those who worship at a different church or denomination than we. And even if the treatment is not poor, the attitude often is. Let us decide that we are not going to behave self-righteously toward our brothers and sisters in Christ.
b.of the most harmful of all the results of self-righteousness is that it certainly causes diminished spirituality. When we see ourselves as better than others, then we also are "loving less than we ought. Jesus said it, and it is so! We don't see ourselves as the ones worthy of death according to Romans 6:23. Surely that must be another! We weren't all that bad, and even if we were, look at where we are today.
3. TIPS FOR THE YOUNGER CLASSESIt is a common thing for children to mistreat others because of differences. They look different. They dress different. They don't know what we know. They just aren't like us, and so are worthy of poor treatment. That is how it is, but it does not have to be always that way. In this lesson, you are going to help change that with a song, "Jesus loves the little children. Red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in His sight." Such a short verse, but so powerful. Then you need illustrations of differences and how the Lord loves both kinds of people.
Show them the various races -- magazine pictures. - GO TO YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE, LIBRARY, ETC. AND SCROUNGE MAGAZINES!
Show them people from different nations. Show them people from different regions of the United States. Show them different occupations. Show them different educational levels. Different genders male and female. JESUS LOVES THEM ALL. Then show them sinners and saints. Jesus loves them all too -- the parable gives you the two in the person of the two debtors and the two real people, Mary and Simon.
Make the point that if Jesus loves them all, then we had better be careful about how we treat them!
4. DEMONSTRATIONS / ILLUSTRATIONS / SONGS / QUOTES (see Footnote 1) a."How haughtily he cocks his nose, To tell what every schoolboy knows. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
b.When inconsistency is lacking, those who know us best are quick to see the gap between words and actions. J. Allen Blair illustrated this by telling a humorous story of a self- righteous, pompous Sunday school teacher who was trying to explain to his class the importance of living in holy obedience to Christ. With head held high and chest thrust outward, he strutted back and forth across the room, while saying arrogantly, "Now boys, why do people call me a Christian?" There was a momentary silence. Then one of the boys slowly raised his hand. "Yes?" boomed the teacher. The boy responded, "Probably because they don't know you.
c.In 1984 two United States congressmen were disciplined for immoral behavior by the House of Representatives. The first, a conservative who was known for his stand against abortion-on- demand and pornography, tearfully confessed his wrongdoing and voted with his colleagues for his own censure. Many newspeople, however, continued to be critical of this man. They focused on his prior hypocrisy, refusing to commend him for repenting and turning from his immorality. The second politician, a liberal who openly favored abortion and pornography, defiantly maintained he had done nothing wrong. He even went so far as to say he was a homosexual. Many newspeople who condemned the first man were far less critical of this man. Apparently they were more comfortable with an open, calloused attitude toward immorality than an open and genuine sorrow for sin.
d.The "Webster's New World Dictionary" defines a "smart aleck" as "a person who is offensively conceited." One example is the young woman portrayed in a series of cartoons in a New York paper. The sketches depict her garbed in cap and gown, holding a diploma. With her head held high, she looks down her nose at Mr. World, while that cold, cruel cynic is saying, "Well, what do we have here?" Next, with her shoulders thrown back, the young lady replies, "Certainly you know who I am. Cecelia Shakespeare Doaks, a graduate of Prestige College. I have my A.B.!" "My dear child," replies Mr. World, "how sad! Come with me and I'll teach you the rest of the alphabet."
e.A city patrolman picked up a young girl thumbing a ride on a busy road. After issuing her a ticket for hitchhiking, he took her home to her parents. When her father learned the details, he immediately sided with his daughter and gave a tongue-lashing to the lawman. In his statement to the press the officer said the man really insulted him, and complained that nothing was being done about a situation at school were the kids were using dope every day. Later the policeman went to the school and found several students loitering alongside the building. After searching them, he arrested a 16-year-old for possession of drugs. The boy was none other than the son of the man who had tried to exonerate his daughter and had verbally abused the officer!
f.An economist made this comment about his own profession: "In most fields, if the facts don't fit the theory, you find a new theory. But an economist doesn't do that-he tries to explain away the facts." On the other hand, he pointed out that if an astrophysicist observes a planet where he doesn't think it should be, he doesn't accuse the planet of being out of line. He adjusts his theory
g.Legend tells of a simple laborer who was wonderfully saved and decided to join a local church. The first one he visited was an impressive-looking structure. The minister was a splendid orator, and the choir was famous for its musical ability. The poor man didn't realize that most of the congregation were of great wealth. At the close of the service no one stopped to shake his hand because they saw his thread-bare suit and didn't want to be identified with what they considered his low-class standing. For weeks he was politely ignored. Although he frequently expressed a desire to become a member, the preacher never called on him. One night after praying about the matter, he fell asleep and dreamed he met the Savior and confided to Him his problem. The Lord gently replied, "My child, don't let it trouble you. I myself have been trying to get into that church for years without success!" Of course this is just an imaginary story, but it has a pointed lesson.
h.A haughty lawyer once asked a sterling old farmer, "Why don't you hold up your head in the world like I do? I let no man push me around, I bow before neither God nor man." "Squire," replied the farmer, "see that field of grain yonder? Only the heads that are empty stand up. Those that are well filled always bow low."
i.H. G. Wells in his book First and Last Things said that he was repelled by Jesus, whom he called "this image of virtue, this terrible and incomprehensible Galilean." Wells said he was far more attracted to Oliver Goldsmith, a charming, witty literary genius whose conduct was often immoral, deceptive, and dishonest. Always in debt, Goldsmith once tried to raise money by posing as a doctor. When he died at age 44 from a misuse of medicine, his last words were a pathetic admission that he had no inner peace. Yet Wells chose Goldsmith over Jesus!
j.WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS:
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my god; All the vain things that charm me most - I sacrifice them to His blood. See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Copyright 1986 WORD MUSIC (a div. of WORD, INC.). All Rights Reserved. .
5. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK TO BRING OUT YOUR STUDENT'S MINDS AND LEVELS OF LEARNING: a.IS IT NOT TRUE THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS? THEIR SINS LESS, THEIR ACTIONS BETTER, ETC.?
b.SINCE WE ADMIT THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, THEN WHY WOULDN'T THE BETTER ONES FEEL JUSTIFIABLY "SELF-RIGHTEOUS, OR PROUD?"
The key here is found in the phrase "self-righteous." That implies that they have themselves to thank for their righteousness, and that is not the truth. A sinner's righteousness is imputed to him through the deeds of Christ on the cross. We have sin natures, therefore are unable to pay the price for our own sins. Jesus gave us of His righteousness when we confessed our sinful state and accepted salvation. We are not "self-righteous" we are Jesus-righteous, and therefore have no reason to be proud of ourselves. The fact that we act cleaner, more obedient, or "better" than some other person is good, but even that is no cause for pride, for the Word of God says that we must be careful of falling ourselves (1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.).
c.IN THIS OUTLINE YOU SAID THAT A PERSON WHO IS SELF-RIGHTEOUS ALSO HINDERS THEIR OWN SPIRITUAL GROWTH. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?
When a person feels they are superior to another, he becomes hardened to the plight of the less fortunate ones around them. I remember one former member who would always provide me with the "dirt" on any person who visited the church that he knew. They had done this; they were involved with that; theirs was such and such an attitude. It was always done with a smile, and a "spiritual sadness" that this poor person had just not arrived. What a pity, but at least we can see it and watch out for them, and thank the Lord we don't suffer such a condition. That is pride. Unchecked, this attitude results in a belief that only those who agree with him are at all spiritual This is the disease that makes everyone sick but the person who has it.
d.IF WE WANT TO KEEP AWAY FROM A MIND SET OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHAT COULD WE DO?
SEE BELOW!
6. APPLICATIONSTHE JEWS HAVE A PROVERB WHICH SAYS THAT INTENSE HUMILITY IS IN ITSELF A FORM OF PRIDE.
a.WORKABLE METHODS TO KEEP FROM ENLISTING WITH THE PHARISEES:
1. Keep reading the Gospels. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the people in the writing as Jesus saw them. Some were hurting, some unaware of their need, some angry, some seeking. All were sinners needing a Saviour and a friend. After you read the Gospels, go through your days looking at those around you seeing them as Jesus must see them, and as He saw the people in the Gospels. You will not be so quick to condemn, criticize or complain.
2. Keep short accounts with God. When you sin, confess it quickly. Don't wait, for in the waiting, the sin will gather the dust of excuses. You will explain the fault away, forgive yourself, instead of gaining God's forgiveness. As that happens our heart hardens, and we become less able to hear the Holy Spirit tell us what we need, thus becoming "easy pickings" for the devil.
3. Keep winning the lost. It may seem strange, but a person who has a heart and feet for the Good News of Jesus' saving grace has a more tender heart toward those outside his own circle. He sees them as sheep without a shepherd rather than losers, jerks or nerds. If we would kill the pit of pride, it will be done in the going forth as a proclaimer of the love of God in Jesus Christ.
b.NAME THREE METHODS TO USE IN YOU LIFE WHEN YOU ARE CONFRONTED BY A PHARISEE. REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT JESUS, SO SIMPLY SCOLDING THEM IN NOT UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY. (DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD NOT CONFRONT THEM THOUGH.)
REMEMBER, JESUS SAID, THAT THE ONE WHO WAS FORGIVEN THE MOST WOULD SURELY LOVE THE MOST! IF YOU WOULD LOVE JESUS GREATLY, THEN YOU MUST SEE THE SINS WHICH WERE FORGIVEN AS GREAT. THAT DOES NOT MEAN BUILDING TOWERS OF SIN WHICH JESUS SHOVED OVER. IT ONLY MEANS THAT WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT ALL OF US ARE CAPABLE OF THE WORST OF SINS, AND THAT JESUS FORGAVE EVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF THEM IN OUR LIVES.
HOW I WOULD TEACH THIS LESSON1. READ THE OUTLINE AND THE PARABLE OVER AND OVER TO GET THEM FIRMLY IN YOUR MIND.
2. PICTURE THE SCENE AS YOU WOULD A PLAY. PLACE THE PARTICIPANTS IN THEIR PLACES AND RUN IT THROUGH YOU "MIND'S EYE."
3. PREPARE TO SPREAD THIS SCENE BEFORE YOU CLASS IN TECHNICOLOR!
HELP THEM SEE THE WOMAN BOW BEFORE THE LORD, FOLDING HER ROBE ABOUT HERSELF, SMELL THE PUNGENT OINTMENT, HEAR THE QUIET WEEPING AND SEE THE GLISTENING TEARS AS THEY FALL TO THE DUSTY FEET OF OUR LORD, MAKING TRACKS ON THEM.
THEN SEE SIMON, ARROGANT, CONDESCENDING EVEN TO JESUS, SO MUCH SO THAT HE REFUSED THE SOCIAL GRACES MENTIONED BY JESUS. WATCH AS HE WANTS TO HAVE A SERVANT EJECT THE WOMAN, BUT AFRAID TO BEFORE THE LORD.
SEE JESUS REACH DOWN AND PLACE A LOVING HAND ON THE WOMAN'S HEAD. DID YOU SEE HER JERK MOMENTARILY AT THE STRANGENESS OF A KIND GESTURE? GET THE IDEA?
4. TALK ABOUT SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PRIDE, SHARING SOME OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS, AND DISCUSSING THE MAJOR POINTS FROM THEM.
5. COVER QUESTIONS, AND APPLICATIONS. ESPECIALLY THE WAYS TO FEND OFF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. DISCUSS WHY THESE THINGS WORK FOR ALL WHO WILL TRY THEM.
WORK SHEET:CLASS ROOM ILLUSTRATIONS OR ACTIVITIES:
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Footnote 1: Please note that the use of a quote or a reference to a person does not indicate that we hold them in high esteem; only that the item can be used in some way in a lesson. In fact, you will find some statements actually oppose or disagree with Bible-believing philosophies in some outlines so that you can use them as arguing points.