An Instructive Moment about Forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50)

How often have I fallen at my Savior's feet and totally poured out my heart for Him? I'm sure, no matter how many times I've done it, I've never done it enough. How can I show Him the depth of my love, my thankfulness? Overflowing love is a natural response to forgiveness. But only those who realize the depth of their sin can appreciate the complete forgiveness which God offers them.

Simon is the type of person who would just make me want to "spit." He seems rather condescending in his attitude toward Christ. At least the way Gire portrays him it would seem so. By forgetting to wash Jesus' feet when arriving, and being rude enough to not offer Christ a welcome kiss seems like Simon felt that he was just too good to treat Jesus as an equal.

Then the woman enters who is totally at the opposite end of the social scale. A prostitute. Gire paints a picture where Christ has talked with this woman before. God's Word gives no indication either way. It is probably more likely that she had been in the crowds and heard Him preach. At some point she has recognized her need for the Savior and comes to demonstrate her true faith to Him. I love how Christ honors her faith. He does not make her feel unwanted, or embarrassed. As she kisses His feet (Greek verb katephilei, imperfect tense suggesting continuous past action) she is showing a sign of the utmost respect, submission, and affection she possibly could.

I love how Simon thought Jesus could not possibly be a prophet because surely Christ would know that the woman was a sinner. Can't you just hear Simon's thoughts? "Surely, anyone in their right mind would not let this woman touch them because it would make them ceremonially unclean!" Then Christ reads Simon's mind. As a result of knowing Simon, Jesus began a parable about two men who owed huge debts; one for 500 denarii and the other for 50 denarii. Christ applied it to the woman and Simon. Simon was so obtuse, he could not see his need for the Savior. The woman on the other hand, recognized her need to be forgiven and naturally was going to love and thank the One who had forgiven her. Simon saw himself as pure and righteous and therefore, saw no need to treat Jesus special. Can you imagine someone who does not seem to think Jesus could do anything for him? There are many of those types around today.

I think it is important to remember that the woman wasn't forgiven because of her love for the Savior. Rather she loved because she was forgiven. Her faith is what brought her salvation.

When I have discussion here in my area it always seems to come down to the 'works' verses faith issue. They are performing their good deeds to get into heaven. Whereas, I'm performing my good deeds because God has already saved me, justified me, adopted me into His family. I love Him (just as the woman in this story did) and wish to show my love for all He has done for me freely by His grace.

No wonder this woman was crying! No wonder she spared no expense! Justified by His grace, save my His mercy, washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, all through my Lord Jesus Christ. That's salvation! That is what the gospel is all about! Wow!