Scripture:
Luke 7:36-50 (WEBBE)
“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him. He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. Behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wash his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Say on.” “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?” Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Those who sat at the table with him began to say within themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Reflection:
In this poignant passage, Jesus reveals profound truths about forgiveness, love, and repentance through His encounter with a Pharisee and a woman known as a sinner. The setting is a meal at the house of Simon the Pharisee, where an unexpected guest—a woman with a reputation—intrudes with an act of deep devotion and humility.
As the woman stands behind Jesus, she begins to wash His feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, and anoint them with precious ointment. Her actions are a powerful display of repentance and love. Her tears and tender care contrast sharply with Simon’s lack of hospitality and understanding.
Simon, observing the woman’s actions, internally judges Jesus. He thinks that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know that the woman is a sinner and would not allow her to touch Him. Jesus, aware of Simon’s thoughts, uses this moment to teach a valuable lesson through a parable.
Jesus tells Simon about two debtors—one who owes a large sum and another who owes a smaller amount. When both are forgiven, Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the lender more. Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven the larger debt will love more. Jesus affirms Simon’s answer and applies the lesson to the situation at hand.
Jesus contrasts Simon’s lack of hospitality with the woman’s extravagant love. Simon did not provide water for Jesus’ feet, a kiss of greeting, or anoint His head with oil—acts of customary hospitality for a guest. In contrast, the woman’s actions, though unconventional, demonstrate a deep sense of gratitude and repentance. Jesus explains that her actions reflect a heart that has been deeply forgiven, and therefore, she loves much.
The woman’s act of love and repentance leads Jesus to pronounce her sins forgiven. This declaration stuns those present, as they question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Jesus reassures the woman that her faith has saved her and sends her away with peace.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own understanding of forgiveness and our response to it. Are we like Simon, quick to judge and lacking in hospitality? Or do we respond with the humility and love demonstrated by the woman, recognizing the depth of our need for forgiveness and the extent of God’s grace?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your incredible grace and forgiveness. We are moved by the woman’s love and repentance, and we ask that You help us to approach You with a similar humility and gratitude. Teach us to recognize the depth of our own need for forgiveness and to respond with love and devotion. May we extend the same grace to others that You have shown to us. Help us to live in the peace and freedom of Your forgiveness. In Your name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on the ways you may need to show greater humility and repentance in your relationship with God. Are there areas where you need to seek His forgiveness and express your love more deeply?
- Consider your responses to the forgiveness you have received. How can you extend grace and compassion to others as a reflection of the forgiveness you have experienced?
- Evaluate your interactions with others, particularly in terms of hospitality and kindness. Are there opportunities to demonstrate love and acceptance, even when it might be unconventional?
Verse for Meditation:
“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47, WEBBE)