So the scene is set – Jesus who is known in the community is invited to the banquet for futher discussion. Yet Jesus compares the two – inspite of what the men in the house think of her she is a noble woman – and inspite of the high opinion this pharisee has of himself he is a man of ignoble character. First, it is significant that there are two debtors, which, given the context, would appear to stand for Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman. Although I wasn't aware of it at the time, looking back, I realize now that I was under conviction of sin. 4. CHRIST’S VIEW OF THE PHARISEE AND THE PROSTITUTE, The focus has been on Jesus “How could he allow this sinful woman to touch him. As the display of worship and affection continued. Looking for something slightly different? She had no tissue to wipe His feet; all she had was her hair. Perhaps she was in the synagogue that morning, listening to Jesus talk about the Father, and her heart was touched as she heard of God’s love for those who have made mistakes in their lives. I am guilty – So often we allow what people think to over-ride what Jesus thinks of us. No he won’t!! There may be a lesson here for those of us who have grown up in Christian homes and have always gone to church and never committed any, what we might consider, serious sins – maybe the lesson is that we need to recognise that we all need the same forgiveness. One had a debt of the equivalent of a month and a half's wages, while the other's debt was equal to one–and–a–half year's wages. The guests at this banquet would have found this action highly offensive. THE PARABLE ITSELF. Some submit the currency of integrity. That is not so. This woman by contrast, has herself washed Jesus’ feet, not with water but with tears and what is more she has used her hair, the crown and glory of a woman to dry them. UNBRIDLED DEVOTION IS THE PROPER RESPONSE TO CHRIST’S LOVE. It matters not whether you are a 50-denarii sinner or a 500-denarii sinner, for no one can meet the demands of a holy God. Simon the Pharisee also knew the woman the moment she approached Jesus out of the shadow. Those in the room started questioning: “Who is this, that even forgives sins?” Some were sitting in judgment while others were sincere in asking that question. This is found within the context of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with an alabaster flask. 45“You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. Luke 7: 41-47. In the culture of the time, a woman’s hair represented her dignity (1 Corinthians 11:6, 15). V36 says that He went to the pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. We are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. Did it change your outlook on life in any way? There is a banquet at the house of a pharisee, named Simon, and Jesus is invited. Whatever Simon's motivations were, the Lord accepted Simon's invitation. People who see true lovers of God will always be moved and challenged, even if they will not ever admit it. Jesus’ response to Simon’s reaction comes in the form of a parable. The woman's unusual display of love for Jesus testified to the depth of her gratitude; whereas, Simon was unaware of the debt that he, too, owed. Notice that Simon’s thoughts were to himself, but the Lord picked up on his thoughts and used what was happening as a teaching moment. What Simon was meant to kiss is not mentioned. The Scripture says that no man can come to Christ without the Father drawing him or her (John 6:44). 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. "Tell me, teacher," he said. (Luke 7:40-43). Students kissed their teacher’s / Rabbi’s hand. At rich people's homes, there would be servants to wash the feet of his guests. It’s one that a Pharisee was confronted with but not able to comprehend. The Lord treasures the honest response of a grateful heart more than we can imagine. Read that parable closely. The younger of two sons decided that he was ready to move away from home and strike out on his own. ILLUS. The parable sets the scene and forgiveness of the debts comes before responsive love. One owed five hundred denariis, and the other fifty. Lane Yates – Cartoonist and Comics Critic. My goodness will surely be accepted.”, Love as Seen in Acts of Honor (Luke 7:44-47). Simon should have made sure that all Jesus’ needs as his guest were met. 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