Christ-Light Connections: The Death of John the Baptist & The Sinful Woman in Simon’s House

Justice is a universal language. We expect it and demand it. Even children know what is fair and unfair. Try giving one sibling a cookie and not the other, or take a recess from one disobedient student but not the other. You will certainly hear, “That’s not fair!”

No one understands justice better than God. He demands a high eternal price for the payment of our sin. As such, we are God’s enemies who live in rebellion and denial of the terrifying truth. Yet, those who have been given faith understand that Jesus has satisfied the demands of justice.

The Christ-Light theme this week is Jesus’ enemies reject his Word; believers show love and thanks.

NT2 2A

The Death of John the Baptist — Matthew 11:10; 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-29, Luke 7:27

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Context

Herod Antipas (or the Tetrarch) was the son of Herod the Great, who had the infants of Bethlehem murdered to satisfy his paranoia. Herod Antipas was a puppet king for Rome of mixed Jewish and Gentile descent.

We have known John the Baptist from the womb. As a fetus he lept at the sound of the mother of Jesus’ voice. He spent his ministry in the wilderness preparing the way for the Savior, proclaiming repentance to all. His most famous words were his declaration at the sight of Jesus. “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Big Ideas

God’s Love for Herod (Mark 17:20)

Herod is the man in the story we want to hate. His adultery and insecurities define his character. However, he has an unexpected relationship with God’s prophet John. Although there were thousands of people to preach the message of repentance, John took the risk and made an effort to apply God’s Word specifically to this adulterous and foolish king.

His actions indicate the Holy Spirit was working on his heart. Instead of murdering John immediately, he went against his wife’s wishes and protected John’s life by imprisoning him. Mark 6:20 says, “When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.”

Conversation Starter:

• Can you think of other kings who were pursued by God?

John’s Unjust Death (Matthew 14:6-12, Mark 6:21-29)

There is no way around it. John’s death is disturbing. Herod rejected God as the ultimate judge and elevated the opinions and attention of his party guests. Although Herod feared John, he was more afraid of hurting his reputation and losing face.

The life of God’s final pre-messiah prophet, who was even declared by Jesus to be the greatest man who ever lived (Luke 7:28), was reduced to the price of a dance performed at a birthday party. Herod had determined that it was less awkward to present the head of God’s messenger on a platter than to go back on his word.

Conversation Starter:

• Can you think of other Bible stories where the government persecuted believers? Can you think of other times in church history?

Go Tell Jesus (Matthew 14:12)

Imagine how powerless and horrified John’s disciples felt. There was nothing left to do but to bury John’s body and go tell Jesus.

Jesus was the one who understood injustice more than anyone. John’s tragic death was minor compared to what Jesus would soon face. In a few years, the only sinless man would be mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. On that cross, Jesus was not only judged by man but by God. There the Heavenly Judge inflicted his wrath upon Jesus because he took upon himself Herod’s sins, John’s sins, my sins, and the sins of the whole world.

Conversation Starters:

• Discuss the meaning: Jesus was the world’s worst sinner and the world’s only sinner.
• What does the injustice that Jesus endured mean for you?

John’s Eternal Perspective

Think about John’s life and the peculiar way he lived. First, earthly comforts had little value. Second, John had preached God’s word fearlessly going head to head with Pharisees, Romans, and the king who eventually took his life. He was able to live this way because he understood that this life was only a small part of his eternity. He had nothing to lose. For John, his last day was not a tragedy, but it was his greatest day. It was the day he was welcomed into paradise.

Conversation Starters:

• How would you live if you did not have an eternal perspective?
• How does knowing there is a greater life coming change the way you live now?
• How does this shape the way we deal with injustice on earth?

Digging Deeper

Use the picture below for further discussion and personal application.

NT2 2B

The Sinful Woman in Simon’s House — Luke 7:36-50

Context

This was an awkward dinner party for several reasons. The religious leaders were disgusted that Jesus would eat with “sinners and tax collectors.” It is a bit of a surprise that the Pharisee, Simon, would host a meal for Jesus. He certainly did not go out of his way to show Jesus respect. Instead, he subtly demeaned Jesus. It was customary and expected in ancient Palestine that a servant would clean the guest’s feet before entering the house. They wore sandals and walked on dusty roads. When they sat down to eat, it was in a reclined position, not in a chair. Clean feet were essential to a pleasant meal. It was also customary to greet a guest with a kiss on the cheek, just as we would use a handshake today. Sometimes the host would pour olive oil on the head of a guest as an additional way to show honor.

The arrival of the “sinful woman” (likely a prostitute) would have been quite alarming for Simon. As a “clean” Pharisee, association with anyone like her would have tarnished his treasured reputation.

Big Ideas

Simon’s Debt (Luke 7:36, 44-47)

Simon may have even struggled to identify with the man who had the smaller debt. As a Pharisee, he understood that the demands of God’s Law were serious. To overlook them would create a debt with God. In Simon’s mind, he and those who observed the ceremonial laws were righteous. They had worked hard to be in a separate class of people who were worthy of God’s approval. Insinuating debt would be an insult to his efforts. 

Simon did not understand that God’s Law demanded complete perfection. The Pharisees had to diminish the Law to make it attainable. He lived under that false hope that he was worthy of God because he tried harder than other people. 

In reality, Simon’s debt was immeasurable. It was as if he was in a hole five miles deep and proud of himself for making a step-ladder five feet high. 

Conversation Starters:

• How do we simplify God’s Law to make it easier?
• Have you ever caught yourself thinking or saying, “At least I’m better than ______”? Why are we constantly tempted to consider ourselves better than other people?
• How does comparing ourselves to others diminish our thankfulness?

The Woman’s Debt (Luke 7:37-50)

Jesus’ parable described the woman’s understanding of her sinfulness. The difference between the woman and Simon was that she understood her great debt and inability to pay it back. 

Entering Simon’s house was bold and brazen. A woman like her would never have been welcomed into the presence of such “clean” men. The touches and kisses of this unclean woman would have made the self-righteous cringe. But Jesus did not push her away. Instead, he welcomed her into his presence and accepted her unconventional offering. He had absorbed her sinfulness into himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to her.

Conversation Starter:

• Agree or disagree: The more we understand our sins, the more we understand grace.

Your Sins are Forgiven (Luke 7:48-50)

The arrival of this woman in Simon’s home caused quite a stir. In the midst of the lesson, Jesus paused and spoke directly to the woman reassuring her that everything she believed about him was true. He knew exactly who she was and all she had done. He spoke, “Your sins are forgiven.” Not only did he give her forgiveness, but he also gave her peace. She no longer lived as God’s enemy in debt to him. She had been set free from his wrath. Faith had made her his daughter.

Conversation Starter:

• What was the evidence that grace had changed the woman?

Digging Deeper

Seeds of Faith includes Law and Gospel points as well and helpful discussion questions.