Something for "Simon"
“…love is the proof that a person has received forgiveness, and the more people are forgiven, the more they will love.”
- I. Howard Marshall
Jesus’ meal at Simon’s house is rich with layers of storyline (Luke 7:36-50). One which I didn’t get to explore in the message yesterday was the open-endedness that Luke gives to Simon’s life story. I realize we also don’t know the “sinful woman’s” story beyond the meal either. But, in her case there is at least Jesus’ benediction to her; an assurance that probably she went on to follow and serve Jesus and His Kingdom. Simon is a different matter altogether. His is, at first reading, a “typical” Pharisee interaction with Jesus. There is tension and dismissal toward Jesus and His status as anything special. But, the teachable moment is had and then, we don’t know what happens next. Simon is not reported as being among those upset that Jesus announces forgiveness for the sinful woman. So, what did happen with Simon? We don’t know. Some would be quick to point out that he is probably among the religious leaders who condemn Jesus to death (see Luke 22:66-71). Others would be more hopeful and say that he is among the many priests who Luke records coming to faith in Jesus as part of the early church (see Acts 6:7). We would be foolish to argue either way but, Luke’s purpose for leaving Simon’s story untold can serve a purpose for us, if we are willing to see the “Simon” in us.
If you are someone who ‘grew-up’ around the things of God and were early in your life obedient to faith in Jesus, then you could be like Simon. Simon’s problem as we stated yesterday was not that he didn’t see sin, it was that he only saw other people’s sin as problematic. He was a respectable member of the religious community after all, well versed in the Scriptures. He wasn’t a “sinner” far away from God. So, when Jesus showed up, Simon was a sceptic and a hypocrite all rolled into one finely dressed package.
Simon didn’t need Jesus, but he did want to hear more from him. Simon didn’t invite Jesus to dinner to honor him but to satisfy his curiosity. Simon was a “good” Jew. He was comfortable with the things of God and was unwelcoming to Jesus. Jesus could come to Simon’s house for a meal but on Simon’s terms. No welcome. No greeting. No honor. Just a seat at the table. Simon didn’t need a Savior, he was good where he was, or so he thought.
In Jesus’ words to the church at Laodicea, He points out the incredible distance between what they thought of their position and what was real. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17). Jesus goes on to offer them gold to be rich, white clothes to cover their shameful nakedness and salve to put on their eyes that they might see. And then, He urges them to be earnest and repent. Finally, he offers deep personal relationship over a meal. (Revelation 3:18-20).
When was the last time you were earnest in repentance? May it be, that it was also the last time you experienced the deep, abiding presence of Jesus? If Jesus’ rebuke and discipline are signs of Jesus’ love (Revelation 3:19) than didn’t Jesus love Simon as much as the woman? Yes. We know He did. The question is: Did Simon ever repent from his sins and experience that life transforming love? Did Simon ever come to grasp the reality of his situation before God and receive from Jesus what only Jesus could provide?
What about you? Do you find yourself a “Simon” today? What will you do next? John the Baptist came preaching repentance. To the crowds who were “Simon” like he said these words: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. (Luke 3:8-8a) My prayer for you and I, is that if we see ourselves as “Simon” today, our response will be godly sorrow and repentance that we might enjoy deeper communion with Jesus.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT)