The Worst Sinner In The City

February, 18 1956

Some two-thousand years ago, Jesus Christ walked the earth and dwelt among men. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead back to life, and brought salvation to whosoever will. It was God manifested in the flesh; the Creator of the world Who had come to reveal Himself to humble men and women who would accept His life-giving Word. Who could ever refuse the God of Heaven? Who could deny the Giver of Life and of every good gift? Many did. Many still do today.

We read in the history of His Word that the messenger of a rich Pharisee one day approached Jesus with a message he was to deliver. He was to invite Him to the home of his master, Simon the Pharisee, for a dinner party. Could you imagine getting that opportunity? Think, a servant of a Pharisee had the chance to stand before Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and ask of Him anything he so desired in his heart. But he didn’t. Why? Brother Branham said:

“What an error. The man standing in the Presence of Eternal Life, standing before the very God of heaven, and yet, after he had done all of his religion, his church duties, walked away without even asking for pardoning of his sin?56-0218E

It reminds us a lot of the world we live in today. We’re always so busy working, hanging out with friends, watching our favorite television shows, etc… The list could go on and on. At times it seems we can’t even get the normal things in our everyday lives done, let alone finding extra time. But what about God; where is He on our list? He should be number one. We often give Him no more than a minute or two of our day. Even so Brother Branham said in this message, “He’ll take anywhere you give Him.”

That's what makes Him so real to me. No matter what little... "Lord, will You take second place?" "Yep, I'll take second place." The God of heaven to a creature... "Will You take second place?" "Yes, I'll take second." "Will You take third place?" "Yep, I'll take third place." "Will You take fourth place?" "Yeah, I'll take anywhere you give Me." He never turns you down. He will come any time. Any place you give Him... 56-0218E

What would you do if you found out that in two days our Lord Jesus Christ was coming to your house? Would you make sure everything was ready for Him? How would you entertain Him? Oh, how wonderful it would be to serve our Lord. What special thing would you do to make Him feel comfortable and welcomed after His long journey? How exciting it would be to talk with the King of Heaven. It seems we could only imagine what sort of things we would ask Him.

This thought, as we read, was a reality for Simon the Pharisee, his messenger, and the harlot woman. Only one accepted Him, though all were given the chance. While we realize that Jesus is no longer here in the flesh, we still have the same opportunity today. He is still listening and waiting to answer our prayers, if only we ask. He is still Hebrew's 13:8, and an ever present help in time of trouble. So "ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." And be ever so conscious of what you ask for. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."(I CORINTHIANS 10:31)

May we never become like the rich Pharisee who wished to only make a spectacle of our Lord. God forbid we ever get to such a place. May we be as the harlot woman, and surrender our hearts and pour out our souls over the feet of Jesus. When peering through the looking glass of our lives, let us not see the reflection of this world, but that of Christ Jesus. Entertain Him well. He wishes to be a part of our lives more than we could possibly imagine.

As you listen to this message, “The Worst Sinner In The City”, preached in Minneapolis, MN February 18, 1956, you will hear the story of Jesus’ visit to Simon the Pharisee’s house, and the salvation that God extended to the lowliest of street harlots in a soul stirring context. Brother Branham gives such a detailed description in the way only a prophet of God could do. With so much to identify with as Christians, this message allows us to put ourselves in the very spot where it took place and relate with the characters. It is a wonderful parallel of today and the choices we make when entertaining our Lord. What a blessed opportunity we have.