Dear all,
Is there anything wrong with people behaving properly, decently and in order? The obvious answer is ‘no’. Simon the Pharisee prides himself on being a stick-to-the-rules sort of guy, even when standards are slipping all around him. He is a good citizen and a man of integrity, who has avoided scandal and the obvious sins. He cares about his reputation and wants to maintain his good standing in the Pharisees club. He has invited Jesus to dinner as his guest. Then a hysterical woman somehow breaks into the club dining room and throws herself at Jesus’ feet. But instead of reproving her for her bad manners and putting her in her place, Jesus holds her up as an example of gratitude for divine grace. And he suggests that the extravagance of her love mirrors God’s own. God’s generous love overflows all the bounds of normal propriety; the appropriate response is generous extravagant gratitude. But it all leaves Simon cold and uncomfortable and bewildered. He just thinks that some people need to learn good manners. All he wants is to be a member of the club in good standing and wonders what Jesus is getting at.
Order of Service
Prelude
Call to Worship
Hymn 321: “Praise to the Lord”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Responsive reading: Psalm 5
1 Kings 19: 1-21
Anthem: Kyrie Eleison (Taize)
Luke 7: 36- 50
Hymn 229: “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”
Sermon: “Grace and gratitude”
Hymn 635: “Brother, sister, let me serve you”
Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Hymn 335: “Give us, O God, the grace to see”
Benediction
Go now in Peace
Postlude