SIMPLE FAITH

 Luke 7:40-48

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men 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 canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

"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--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

                Let’s be honest. Life is complicated, and it is getting more complicated every day. With new technologies come new learning curves. The pace of change and innovation can become overwhelming. Soon we find ourselves discouraged by our lack of ability to stay on top of all that is going on. In the face of this complicated world, many people are looking for a simpler lifestyle.

                What is going on in the world in general is going on in the Church as well. “Church” has become more complicated, and often more confusing. As a pastor, I have been bombarded with many “new innovations” for doing church. Each new book, each new conference adds a layer of complexity and expectation upon church leaders and congregations. Some churches have chosen to not play the game, and have been left behind. Some churches have embraced the new concepts and are in a state of constant change. Most churches are in the middle, struggling to adapt to their changing world as best as they can, but often feeling discouraged.

                What has happened with the “administration” side of church has also happened with the theological side of church. I have been a student of theology for many years. I read books on theology and try to process what I am being taught. This too has been an overwhelming task. Each approach to theology claims to be the correct approach. Each one claims to be biblically based. Yet they are often incompatible. Strong voices are forcing believers to “take sides” in the struggle for theological prominence. It is no wonder that normal, everyday believers are confused, discouraged, and sometimes give up. Many are longing for a simpler faith.

                In Jesus’ day, The Pharisees were the chief theologians. They set the standards for spiritual life for the people. Their theology was very precise, involved, and overwhelming. Only the most dedicated could live up to the high standard that had been established. This left most of the people on the outside looking in.

                When Jesus entered the scene, he began to openly challenge the unreasonable demands of the Pharisees and religious leaders. Luke 11 records some of Jesus’ harsh words for those who were setting the standards of religious conduct. Luke 11: 46 is a good summary of his critique of the religious climate of his day. Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

                What Jesus offered to the people was a chance at simple faith. It wasn’t that Jesus watered down what it means to be righteous. In fact, he raised the standard higher than anyone. What he offered was a way to reach that standard, and it was simple; come follow me. The only way that a person could ever live up to God’s standard was if God did it for him or her; and that is what Jesus did.

                In the passage above, we read about an interaction that took place when Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee. A women of questionable reputation came into the home and anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume, then wiped them with her hair. The Pharisee was aghast that Jesus would allow such a thing. This woman fell far short of the standards for righteous living. But Jesus turned the tables on the Pharisee.

                Jesus pointed out that this woman understood her great need and responded to Jesus’ great love. The Pharisee was blind to his great need because of his religious façade, and so failed to respond to Jesus. The Pharisee had complicated faith with hundreds of rules to be followed. The woman knew she could never fulfill all of the rules, but in simple faith came to Jesus.

                Theology is an important tool. It helps us to understand ourselves in relationship to a Holy God. But it can become a barrier to genuine faith. We can use theology to divide us into competing camps, instead of leading us to the feet of Jesus. When we focus on our perceived righteousness it becomes a barrier to simple faith. When we understand just how far we are away from true righteousness, we respond to Jesus in simple faith. As Jesus said in Mark 10:15, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

                Simple faith is not simplistic faith. Simple faith is taking Jesus at his word. It is receiving what Jesus wants to give us without all the trappings of self-righteousness. It is understanding our need and then in faith turning to the only one who can take care of our need.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."