*Luke 7:36-8:3
Jesus forgives a sinful woman’s sins based on her demonstration of love, while contrasting her actions with those of a critical Pharisee.
- The Woman with the Alabaster Jar:
- A woman, identified as a “sinner,” enters the house and approaches Jesus while he is reclining at the table.
- She brings an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and begins to weep, wetting Jesus’ feet with her tears.
- She then wipes his feet with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with the perfume.
- The Pharisee’s Reaction:
- The Pharisee hosting the meal is surprised and critical of Jesus, thinking to himself that if Jesus were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him.
- Jesus’ Response:
- Jesus, perceiving the Pharisee’s thoughts, tells him a parable about forgiveness and love.
- He contrasts the woman’s actions of love and gratitude with the Pharisee’s lack of hospitality.
- Forgiveness and Faith:
- Jesus forgives the woman’s sins and commends her for her great love and faith.
- He declares that her sins are forgiven, which prompts murmurs of disapproval from some of the other guests.
- Following Jesus:
- Jesus continues his ministry, traveling from town to town, accompanied by his disciples and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases.
- Among these women are Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others who provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their own resources.
Luke 7:36-8:3 shows us that God’s love and forgiveness are available to everyone, no matter their past. The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet was seen as a sinner, but her faith and love for Jesus brought her forgiveness and peace. This reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to come to God—He welcomes us with open arms when we seek Him with a sincere heart. It also teaches us to avoid judging others and instead show love and grace, just as Jesus did.
Luke 7:36-8:3 (WEB)
7:36 One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house and sat at the table. 37 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. 38 Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “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.”40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”He said, “Teacher, say on.”41 “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”43 Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.”He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 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 wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You didn’t 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 one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”8:1 Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who served them from their possessions.