A Sinful Woman

Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus to dinner. During the meal, a woman slipped into the home, stood at Jesus’ feet weeping, and washed Jesus’s feet with her tears. She then used her long hair to dry them off. When she was done, she poured a fragrant oil over his feet. 

Simon observed what was going on. He knew the woman was a woman of the night. He thought to himself that if Jesus was any kind of prophet, He would perceive who the woman was and not allow her to get near him. 

Jesus knew who the woman was. He also knew what Simon was thinking. Jesus said to Simon. 

 “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?” (Luke 7:41-42)

Simon answered he supposed the one who owed five hundred would be the more grateful.

Jesus agreed. He pointed out that Simon didn’t provide water for Jesus to wash His feet, but this woman wet His feet with her tears and wiped them clean with her hair. Simon didn’t greet Him with a kiss, but this woman hadn’t stopped kissing his feet. Simon had neglected to put oil on Jesus’ head, but this woman poured costly alabaster ointment on His feet.

Jesus explained to Simon that though this woman was a notable sinner, her sins were now forgiven as was evident by the great love she was showing Him. Then, Jesus turned to the woman and addressed her directly, telling her her sins were forgiven.

Read about the sinful woman: Luke 7:36-50

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