36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 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. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7: 36-50 ESV
Luke 7: 36-50
One of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him - We find in the text that this Pharisee's name is Simon. The Pharisees are a part of a sect of Judaism that would be more conservative. They held to a very stringent works based form of religion that placed much upon tradition, even elevating the works of their Rabbis and Scribes above that of the written Word of God. Now, within this text, we are not given a reason why Simon invited Jesus. The Middle Eastern culture is one of hospitality, Jesus is growing in fame, many think Him to be a prophet, and some hope that He is the Messiah. So there may be an element of curiosity, but this we do know, that the Pharisees in general were evaluating Jesus, and that Jesus had brought into question their doctrines, their understanding of the Scriptures, and those extrabiblical writings wherein they put so much weight. In verse 39 you can see this scrutiny when Simon says, "if this man were a prophet." Hold on to that, because that is the judgement which will be answered in this text.
6On another Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. 8But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there.… Luke 6: 6-8
And reclined at table - We westerners have in our mind a different sort of dining setting, and many paintings of the Last Supper and such tend towards that, but the people here didn't sit in chairs, they reclined at a low table. You can still see this in some Middle Eastern cultures today where they incorporate pillows on the ground instead of chairs, and instead of forks and spoons they use flat bread or a base of rice in order to eat with their hands. This especially makes sense in arid countries where you wouldn't want to haul extra water to do more dishes.
Reclined (2625)(kataklino from kata = down or functioning to intensify main verb root + klino = to incline, bend, bow) means literally to incline down, to lie sloping forward and descriptive of the oriental posture at meal (recline). See below for depiction of a typical dinner setup in Jesus' day (see also Lk 14:7-8-note). It is interesting that this word occurs in medical contexts of ancient literature contemporary with the NT, used for example, to describe a patient “lying down” for treatment (Moulton-Milligan). It is not surprising that the physician Luke is the only author who used kataklinō. NET Note on reclined at the table - as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away. - Precept Austin
Who was a sinner - It doesn't say the particular sin for which she was known for, but we will see later that Simon knew, and it wasn't considered any small thing. The Pharisee was probably mad that she even entered his house, and we can tell by her demeanor that this was no set up to see Christ's reaction. He knows fully and uses it to teach a most simple and yet massive principle.
Brought an alabaster flask of ointment - Very costly, like the gifts of the Magi, no man of regular means would ever experience this. With it she brings a new perspective, a priority regarding earthly possessions.
Was a woman in the city who was a sinner (hamartolos) - What an interesting description of this woman "a sinner." We should now all be engaged in what Luke is about to say, because we are all sinners, all "dead in our trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1+). Pharisees saw anyone who did not follow their man made rules and ceremonial rituals felt were necessary to produce righteousness to be worthy of being designated as a sinner. The Pharisees would never classify themselves in the low category "sinner." Commentators speculate she was likely a prostitute, a reasonable interpretation in light of the fact that she had enough funds to purchase perfume which was generally not cheap. - Precept Austin
…14for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.… Proverbs 3: 14-16
…2So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. 3Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. 4So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.… Psalm 63: 2-4
Weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears - If you go back to the Sermon on the mount you will find this woman in the words of the Master, Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted, blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. She comes a sinner, spiritually bankrupt, and the most precious things in her life are used to wash His feet. This is a form of humility so grotesque and uncomfortable to her viewers, but Jesus means very little to the self righteous; He came to save sinners. This is the heart of repentance; it is difficult to repent of what you deny. She has found something more fragrant than ointment, more precious than gold. What did the Psalmist say? I use this verse over and over again, hoping it will mean more and more to me each time.
…16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51: 16-17
If this man were a prophet - He is evaluating Jesus, in light of the miracles, His teaching, His healing, and I wonder, is this also Simon the leper, for a similar story was told by Matthew? It is a trait of fallen human nature that we believe something and then go and try to find things that support it, ignoring any facts to the contrary, but it is the same with our doubt, or the doubts of those in our circle, we look for reasons to hold it up, to fit in. We even go so far as to call ourselves truth seekers, cynics, but if we were than we would be most critical of our own thoughts and feelings, knowing how often they have betrayed us.
…10As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. 11There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”… Romans 3: 10-11
…18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.… John 3: 18-20
And Jesus answering, said to him - Simon didn't say this out loud, but remember what he said, "if this man were a prophet", and now Christ is audibly answering what Simon said in his heart. Simon has already passed judgment on this basis, but think about it, Jesus could have already known who the woman was or sensed it from the reaction of those around Him, but He replies to none of these things, instead He replies to His accuser's thoughts, and quite kindly. This is one of the simplest and prettiest pictures and explanation of the gospel in all of Scripture. The woman is playing it out, a man is setting his heart at odds against it, missing the true interpretation of what is happening before his very eyes. Now Jesus will turn it into a parable, rebuke Simon and explain the way of salvation majestically.
One owed 500 denarii and the other 50 - One owed 10 times as much as the other. Approximately two years wages compared to 2 months.
When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both - They both legally owed, and there was no other reason for the cancellation of debt than the lenders volition. He could have exacted it by force, use of the law, imprisonment, but instead he wipes the ledger clean. There is no longer any debt.
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32: 1-5
Which of them will love him more - Now if you asked a child this they would simply respond, "the one who owed the most", but Simon adds, "I suppose", oh do you? Jesus is answering the very thoughts of your heart, exposing the issue you fail to acknowledge, that like this woman you too are a sinner. Jesus does it in such a soft fashion towards him too, firm, yet calling, giving him a chance to reconsider. There was another Pharisee who was brought to reconsider, yes, God even has the power to convict the most self righteous, to call them to repentance.
…23But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.… Romans 7: 23-25
…4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.…
7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.… Philippians 3: 4-9
You have judged rightly - Congratulations, now apply it, Simon.
Do you see this woman - Jesus isn't going to leave it there, He's not going to give Simon the chance to misapply it, and He is going to take it to a whole new level of discomfort.
You gave Me no water for My feet - Canaan is a rather arid and dusty land, and these men wore sandals, so it was customary, especially given the way they reclined at table, to provide water and a towel for one's guest to wipe their feet. It is strange that a man so saturated in tradition would neglect the rules of hospitality, especially in a house of means. Simon is still confused about Who this Man is that He has invited for supper.
But she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair - Here is the contrast, she is the one that loves much. Simon still doesn't see his need, maybe thinks he is doing Jesus a solid for inviting Him to dinner. He hasn't even provided the basic bowl and towel for Jesus to wash His own feet with, a simple thing, a thing that would have made Simon appear as and acceptable and honorable host, not even requiring him to stoop. This woman brings the water, this woman brings the towel, tears of repentance wiped with the most humbling of means. It breaks my head, how can anyone be proud, and by what right? Who has kept themselves so pure, who has not needed Christ to die for them? This woman's theology is stellar, it has come to the right place, to the feet of Jesus.
Her sins, which are many, are forgiven for she loved much - She bears the earmarks of someone who has heard the call of repentance and believed in the forgiveness of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Spurgeon on her sins, which are many, have been forgiven - “Not because she has done this, but this is an evidence that her sine are forgiven. This act of greater love is the proof that she must be conscious of the greater forgiveness: ‘she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.’” It is always like that; your converted Pharisees have to be made to feel like this woman before they will render love like hers; and if Simon is ever made to feel that his sin, in a certain light, is as great as the sin of this fallen woman, then he will love as much as she does, but not till then. Jesus said unto her, “Thy sins are forgiven.” Oh, the marvellous music of that short sentence! If I had to choose from all language the choicest sentence that my ear could hear when under a sense of him, it would be these four words which the Master addressed to this woman who was a notable public sinner, “Thy sins are forgiven.” “You know that her sins were many, and I tell you that they have been forgiven, and you can see, by her actions, that she loves much.” Precept Austin
Who is this, Who even forgives sins - Liar, Lunatic, or Lord, which is it?
Your faith has saved you, go in peace - She needed righteousness, and it had been provided for her.
21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,… Romans 3: 21-23
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