Simon and the Repentant Woman

GOLDEN TEXT: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” —Ephesians 1:7,8

LUKE 7:36-50

THE Simon of this lesson was a Pharisee, and not many of the Pharisees were favorably inclined toward Jesus. However, Simon did invite Jesus to his home for a meal. His prejudice did not overcome his desire to become better acquainted with Jesus; whether out of curiosity or not, the record does not reveal.

In the divine providence a situation developed which gave Simon a wonderful opportunity to see the real difference between the Master’s attitude toward the weaknesses and imperfections of the human race, and the attitude taken by most of the Pharisees. A woman of the city entered Simon’s house, fell at the feet of Jesus, washed his feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. Then she anointed his feet with a precious ointment which she had brought for the purpose.

According to the customs of our day it would be considered a rude intrusion upon privacy for a woman to enter another’s home while a meal was being served and shower so much attention upon a guest. But seemingly this aspect of the event was not in itself an annoyance to Simon, nor to the Master. Simon’s objection was that this woman was a sinner, and he concluded that if Jesus had known this he would not have permitted her to show her love as she did. He decided that, after all, Jesus could not be a prophet, else he would have known. It could well be that Simon was seeking the answer to this very question, and now thought he had found it.

Simon did not express this thought audibly, but Jesus, knowing his thoughts, gave the Pharisee an illustration in which two debtors, one owing a much larger sum than the other, were forgiven. Then Jesus asked the Pharisee which one of the two debtors would love the creditor the more. There was only one correct answer to this question, which Simon gave. He readily agreed that the one who was forgiven “most” would love “most.”

Jesus then applied the illustration. He reminded Simon, his host, that he had failed to show any special concern for him when he entered into his house; that he had given him no water for his feet, which was a common courtesy at that time, neither had he anointed his head to refresh him. A kiss is a common form of greeting in the East, but Simon had not kissed Jesus when he entered his house.

By comparison, this woman, whom the Pharisee knew as a sinner, had kissed Jesus’ feet many times, and had washed and anointed them. Because of this display of love and appreciation, Jesus forgave the woman her sins, even though they had been many. He did not explain his illustration further, allowing Simon, if he wished to put himself in the position of the one who loved little.

The record does not reveal the nature of this woman’s sins. All we know is that she repented, and the spirit of repentance is very important to the Lord. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, we are informed that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:7) A special celebration was planned by the father of the prodigal son because he had repented and returned to his father’s house willing to be a servant for the remainder of his life. (Luke 15:17-24) While these parables have specific applications, the importance of repentance is a principle which can be applied in every situation of life.

True repentance implies more than merely feeling sorry for one’s wrong conduct. It includes a change of course in one’s life, based upon a determination to continue in the right course. Such genuine repentance is the first step a sinner must take in his approach to God. It is a step which is greatly appreciated by the Lord. The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Simon’s house demonstrated the genuineness of her repentance by appropriate good works, and the Master told her that her sins were forgiven.

The narrow way of sacrifice for the followers of the Master actually was not opened until Pentecost. (Heb. 10:20; II Tim. 1:10) Since then, those who are drawn to the Lord by the Gospel, who genuinely repent and, upon the basis of faith in Christ, dedicate themselves to the Lord, are completely forgiven. See Golden Text. The robe of Christ’s righteousness covers their imperfections.—Isa. 61:10

QUESTIONS

Can we suppose that Simon, the Pharisee, had a genuine interest in the teachings of Jesus?

Why did Simon object to the service rendered to Jesus by the woman?

Outline the illustration Jesus used to show the basis of the forgiveness of sins.

Give illustrations of the importance of repentance. What must follow repentance in order to receive full forgiveness of sins and the application of Christ’s atoning merit?

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