It’s Personal

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
- Luke 7:36-48

Mixer

Would you rather learn how to do an Irish jig, or learn how to play the bagpipes?

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Neighborly - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 3/9/23 entry, Don’t Panic, Pastor Pam reminds us that Jesus is with us in the storms. When have you felt his peace in a storm? Remembering that she said that we are mirrors of Jesus, our reactions to the storms of life indicate to the world the depth of our faith. Why does it matter? Compare two significant storms in your life and contrast how you worked through them. What did you reflect out? What would you like to change? What can you start doing to prepare for the next storm?
2. In the 3/10/23 entry, The Story I Tell Myself, DJ Brennan shares about his runaway “predictions” as he prepared to go skydiving for the first time - possibly deterring him from the enjoyment. Can you relate? Over-speculation could have deterred the man, Jairus, and the woman too (Luke 8:40-56), from receiving what they really wanted the most - but they didn’t go there. They reached out to the One who has already demonstrated He can deliver what they really wanted. What does this kind of faith look like in your own life? What if you were to look at your storm and prayed based on God’s promises and evidence, and not on speculation? Does this bring you any peace, and/or any clarity?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Luke 7:36-48

1. Pastor Jared reminded us that in today’s age, “exclusivity bothers people.” How did the prostitute make her encounter with Jesus personal? How does one move from impersonal religion to a personal encounter with Jesus in their daily lives?
2. Share your thoughts on Pastor Jared’s quote: “If you never think you’re too bad, God will never be too personal for you.”
3. In verse 38, the sinful woman showed up vulnerable at the feet of Jesus. What has held you back from pursuing Him more intimately and desperately?
4. Pastor Jared stated “the more apps that go on our phones, the less human we become, sacrificing face to face interaction.” This can translate to our faith. In what ways have you depersonalized Jesus?
5. For Simon to become a Pharisee, he was likely a devout Jew his entire life. In verse 47, what caution and warning does Jesus provide for those people who have led a fairly devout life? What does this mean to you and for you?
6. Read verses 47-48. Like the sinful woman, you too have been forgiven much. In what ways is your forgiveness from God being revealed in how you live, parent, and love?

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Serve

Youth Wellbeing | Good Neighbor Day | Mar 25th
Groups can serve together! Join us in this family-friendly Good Neighbor Day where we're assembling care kits with fun and basic necessities which will benefit eight community organizations who support youth throughout San Diego County. Register here.

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Pray

Please pray this week for our state/region and the continuing weather-related problems throughout. Intense storms, incredible snowpack, and dangerous flooding are creating extreme hardships for many people. Give thanks that God does not sleep, and that by His power He can protect, circumvent, calm, save, and send rescue to those crying out for help. In all storms.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2