We can so easily picture it: the home of a wealthy Pharisee. The invitation was given and Jesus accepted. The custom of the times permitted those who were not invited to stand at the open and watch the social gathering. A woman filled with deep contrition came in and knelt at Jesus’ feet. She brought oil to anoint His feet. The pain of her soul was so great and her weeping so profound that it was said that she bathed His feet with her tears and then wiped them with her hair. Simon the Pharisee was offended not only by what the woman did, but by who she was. He thought silently to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what manner of woman this is, for she is a sinner.” Jesus knowing his thoughts turned to him and said, “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.” To which Simon replied, “Master, say on.” What follows is truly a fascinating exchange between Jesus, Simon, and the woman. Jesus is always the master and with His wisdom beckons us to ponder.
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36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it,he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
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