The Attitude that Produces Disciples

“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:41-50).

The unexpected appearance of the sinful woman at Simon’s dinner party for Jesus incited his anger and suspicion toward his esteemed guest. Jesus turned the event into a teaching and ministry moment. Simon got a lesson and the woman received forgiveness and salvation. But truth seekers in every age learn much about the process of winning and making genuine disciples here too. Out Teacher, the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to record for us three marks of effective and productive discipleship here. In His encounter with the uninvited dinner guest and His discourse with a critical host, Jesus gives us a glimpse of the attitude that produces disciples.

Awareness of guilt draws repentant sinners to Christ. Genuine disciples never forget the debt that Christ paid for us. Recognition of her great sin drove the sinful woman to seek forgiveness. Jesus taught that repentance is inextricably linked to salvation… “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Productive disciples intentionally seek to live and speak in love, the kind of holiness that convicts and compels the lost to seek Christ’s forgiveness… “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Responding to guilt with repentance leads to forgiveness and salvation.

A measure of gratitude moves converts to serve Christ. Earnest disciples are compelled to share the gospel and engage in disciple-making work by the love that drove Christ to the cross on our behalf… “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Just as her gratitude for Christ’s forgiveness was increased when she displayed her great devotion to Him before others, productive disciples experience increased thanksgiving as we share His gospel of forgiveness with others… “As grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). Increasing gratitude leads to higher levels of service to Christ and others.

Faith in His grace introduces disciples to the peace of Christ. Maturing disciples have an increasing faith in Christ’s forgiveness that gives them peace to live through and above the trials of this temporal life… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Jesus promised peace if the sinful woman would trust in Him despite the world’s condemnation. Productive disciples who trust in Christ will experience the same supernatural peace in any natural trial or situation… “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Trusting God’s grace sets us free from anxiety and fills us with His incomparable peace.

As we grow up into Christ like the sinful woman, we are increasingly grateful for His forgiveness, our faith in Him matures, and we become more effective disciple-makers as we reflect…

The Attitude that Produces Disciples.