“It’s not a question of being broken; it’s a question of brokenness.”- Kyle Idleman
Kyle Idleman continues his discuss of “A Sinful Woman Forgiven” (Luke 7:36-50) with what he considers to be the real question we should struggle with after reading Luke’s account: Who do you want to be most like, Simon or the sinful woman?
It’s a trick question. Pastor Idleman states that most of us, especially those who have been Christians for a long time, want to be both. Phrased differently, we want to be made whole without having to be broken (author’s emphasis). We want to learn our lesson sans significant sacrifice. There’s only one problem with that strategy- all of us are broken.
In Luke 7, it’s painfully obvious the woman is broken. But what about Simon? Kyle states Simon had memorized the entire Old Testament by age fifteen and could recite nearly three hundred Messianic prophecies. Yet he treats Jesus as an unwanted dinner guest.
Simon isn’t just broken, he is really broken. Pastor Idleman defines “really broken” as “not knowing you’re broken.” Romans 3:23 tells us in no uncertain terms, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The real question, Kyle notes, is whether or not we can own up to it.
Today’s question: Following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss, how have you avoided the temptation to find the easy way out? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Embrace the paradox”
