760 Which of the Debtors with Love Him More, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:39-42 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ. 

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

ESV 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

NET 9 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” 40 So Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed him 500 silver coins, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Meditation on Scripture:

When believers read this part we can be a bit incredulous to the response of the pharisee. Since we have an understanding about who Jesus is and what he knew, it seems silly to question Him. As though this pharisee was more knowledgeable than Jesus regarding this woman and her actions. There is a kind of arrogance that accompanies the judgemental heart. He had his own information and presumed himself to be wiser than Jesus. Since he knew something of the woman’s crimes, that knowledge caused him to doubt Jesus. 

Jesus then starts a parable that will teach a valuable lesson. It wasn't ignorance or weakness that led him to welcome this action from this woman. It was grace. When we ignore Jesus’ grace, then we approach the heart position of this pharisee. There are times in our lives when we feel that we know what is just and unjust. We think we have all the facts needed to be clear on how offended to be about something and we end up in a very similar situation as this man. 

Jesus invites us into a position of grace with Him and His other children. Whenever we have a feeling of moral superiority over anyone for any reason, this mindset rears its head. We are all debtors to God. None of us have the funds needed to pay that debt. He points out that He is willing to forgive us. God extends his grace to you, and the other people we judge. During this meditation may we embrace grace. Leave to God, the role of offense. Our role is not to be indignant at others but to be grateful to the one who forgives our debt and allow Him to deal with his other debts however he chooses.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind? 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

KJV 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children. 36 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.

758 She Washed His Feet With Her Hair, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:35-38 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ. 

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

KJV 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children. 36 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.

NASB 35 And yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” 36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

Meditation on Scripture:

If we are not careful or thoughtful we can end up with a misunderstanding of what this message teaches. First we must be careful not to mix up the stories of this occurring. There is another one that shows up later. Jesus corrects people regarding their misunderstanding of the action this woman performs. Jesus accepted her tribute from this woman for various reasons. Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of human judgment. There is certainly a value in this lesson but I think for the moment I would like to focus on the woman and her actions. The humility and love represented are so meaningful. Jesus will go on to compare the actions of this woman to His host but the reason he does so is the devotion this woman displays. 

There is a deep devotion she shows. So in this situation it can be helpful to consider ourselves in this role. Do we feel the kind of love and devotion that would inspire us to humble ourselves in front of others? Do we worry too much about what other people would think instead of truly lifting our eyes to glorify God? As you read about her act to glorify God you can really connect with how meaningful Jesus was to her. THis was not a passive act of regular gratitude. This was a profound and gut wrenching description of the value this woman placed on Jesus. 

So as we reflect on the disinterested perspective she took on her own pride we have something to reflect on. Are we willing to similarly pour out our love for God? How can we demonstrate his same kind of gratitude for the Lord? Put your heart and mind on the things that God calls to you as things to show Him gratitude. 

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind? 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NET 31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, yet you did not dance; we wailed in mourning, yet you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

756 To What Shall I compare The People of This Generation, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:31-34 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect wi h the true source of peace, Jesus Christ. 

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving jor anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

ESV Luke 7  31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;     we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

NET 31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, yet you did not dance; we wailed in mourning, yet you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Meditation on Scripture:

Among the great battlefronts of our generation, I believe that the enemy has a distinct goal of disrupting the family. Mothers and Fathers who raise their children in love of God directly conflicts with Satan’s plans. Our current culture is seemingly designed to erode the strength of that family. Many things which are meant to be sacred our culture holds up as obvious desires of the flesh that must be indulge and event flaunted. The sacred role mothers and fathers fill in a righteous family represent a Godly influence in the child’s life. In past years I have done episodes on Mothers day and as I was pondering this scripture there is a deep divide on the expectations on Godly men. 

The temptations of this current generation are so much more complex and profound than have every been in the history of the world. Kings of the past have not had such an access to the temptations of our generation. There are two conflicting messages. Obviously men have to fall into all those temptations because they are men. On the other hand there are equally strong condemnations of men in general for not having the moral strength they once had. It is a divide and confused message. 

The division in arguments that Jesus spoke about against the pharisees is equally brought against us in our day. It is left to us as men and women who believe in Christ to discern the truth. God is well aware of the challenges that face us as we attempt to do His will. He knows our temptations and our tendencies, and yet He has expectations that we rise above, lifted by the Cross. I invite you to take whatever struggles you have with this current subject matter to the Lord in peaceful moments of prayer and reflection such as this meditation. 

God can take the confusing messages of the world of shame and was them away with our sin. What is left is an inspirational message of grace that lifts us out of the mess we would otherwise be left to. Receive of God’s grace. 

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind? 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

KJV 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

754 I Send My Messenger Before Your Face?, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:27-30 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect wi h the true source of peace, Jesus Christ. 

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving jor anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

 ESV 27 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,     who will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

KJV 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Meditation on Scripture:

This passage is a continuation of Jesus’s response to John. Jesus himself declares that John was a prophet and the greatest there was. Specifically because he came to teach about Jesus. He also was testifying that he was greater than John the Baptist, since he also referred to himself as the least in the kingdom. The Son of God descended below all. After this he took on the sin of the world and as a result was both the lowest, but also the greatest. John testified of that. 

No matter what Good moral lessons the scriptures teach we should recognize that first and foremost the purpose of scripture is to testify of Christ and our need of Him.

It is interesting that those who would be baptised believed that they were baptised of John saw this statement as a justifying God. and the Pharisees and lawyers, who rejected the baptism of John, did not receive this well. They denied the counsel of God that would have blessed their lives as much as anyone else. 

The willingness of the people to be baptised was directly connected with their willingness to believe the words of Jesus. When we do what God asks us to do, that is one way we can demonstrate our faith in God. It is not through thosue actions that we earn some credit score in heaven, but it is a demonstration of faith in Jesus Christ, as James says. Place your faith entirely in Jesus Christ and follow those things He asks you to do. THe new testament is filled with commandments of Jesus. We should seek them out and seek to do them, not to try and earn heaven but to align with the faith that we profess. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. 

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind? 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

NIV 24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

752 What Did You Go To The Wilderness to See?, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:24-26 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect wi h the true source of peace, Jesus Christ. 

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving jor anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

NKJV 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

NIV 24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Meditation on Scripture:

John the Baptist did not come to tell the people what they already expected or wanted to hear. He did not come in the way they expected. In some ways he was very surprising. He was dressed very hubly. They referred to him as a “Wild Man.” He had unique elements of life instituted by the Nazarene oath. He was set apart for a purpose. As he said, it was to make straight the path for the Lord, or to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. 

Due to the unexpected message he taught, he amassed a following that ended up being problematic for religious leaders at the time. Jesus makes the point to show, there was a reason that drew the people to John’s message and that drew their hearts and minds to it when they heard it. As a result many more were ready to receive the Messiah. 

God uses regular people to do his work. John the Baptist had a very specific calling. It was the work given to John by God that made that calling holy. God makes His work holy. Jesus did not truely need John the Baptist. There are many ways God could have done this but he chose John. Similarly God doesn't need us to do His work, but as we participate in His work, our efforts are made holy by Him. Just as John humbly submitted to Jesus when his work was done, so should we take the same mindset around what God has called us to. What has God called you to in life? How can you learn to hold your calling more humbly like John. 

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast

Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind? 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

RSV 19 And John, calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is he 

FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod