Read: Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dine with him. Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house and sat at the table. A woman from the city, known to be a sinner, learned that Jesus was reclining there, and she brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wash his feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, kiss his feet, and anoint them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is, that she is a sinner.”

Jesus responded, “Simon, I need to tell you something.” He replied, “Teacher, go ahead.”

^{“A lender had two debtors: one owed 500 denarii, the other 50. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave both. Who will love him more?” Simon responded, “He, I suppose, to whom he showed the greatest forgiveness.”}

He told him, “You have judged correctly.” Then, turning to the woman, he addressed Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, yet you didn’t give me water for my feet. However, she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but since I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. So, I tell you, her many sins are forgiven because she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little loves little.”” He then said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Explanation

A contrast emerges between superficial respectability and genuine inner change. The woman approaches Jesus humbly, aware of her sins but trusting in His mercy. Her response, expressive, costly, and open, demonstrates a heart rooted in forgiveness.

Meanwhile, the Pharisee stays distant, merely judging rather than engaging. Jesus clarifies that love is a sign of forgiveness, not its cause. Those who grasp their need tend to show greater devotion. This scene highlights a subtle risk: one can appear close to Jesus outwardly while remaining distant in heart.

A question for today

What is God showing me about my awareness of His forgiveness?

A sentence to take into the day

Forgiveness received leads to an expression of love.

One thing to do today

Express your gratitude to Jesus today in a tangible way—through worship, obedience, or generosity.