Anointed by a sinful woman - Faauuina e se fafine agasala

Scripture Focus: Luka 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Teacher, say on.” “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?” Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” He 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.”
- Luke 7:36-50 (WEB)

Study:

This passage presents a striking contrast between the Pharisee, Simon, and a woman described as a sinner. Simon, focused on outward religious observance and social status, fails to offer Jesus basic hospitality. The woman, however, demonstrates profound humility and devotion. Her actions – weeping, washing his feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with costly ointment – are an extravagant display of love and repentance.

Jesus uses the parable of the two debtors to illustrate a crucial point: the depth of love is proportional to the magnitude of forgiveness received. Simon, likely aware of the woman’s reputation, judges her harshly. Jesus, however, recognizes the genuine repentance in her heart and declares her sins forgiven. This highlights that salvation isn’t earned through righteous living (like Simon might believe) but received through faith and a grateful heart.

Application:

Like the woman in the story, our response to God’s grace should be one of profound gratitude and love. Too often, we can become like Simon, measuring our worth and the worth of others by outward appearances or adherence to rules. This story challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask: Do we truly appreciate the immensity of God’s forgiveness? Are we extending the same grace and compassion to others that we have received? Especially on a day like Ash Wednesday as we begin Lent, this story illuminates the depths of God’s love and the importance of a contrite spirit.

Reflection Questions:

• How does this story challenge my perceptions of ‘sinners’ and ‘righteous’ people?
• In what ways can I demonstrate greater gratitude for God’s forgiveness in my daily life?
• Am I quick to judge others, or do I extend grace and compassion?
• How does the parable of the two debtors illuminate the relationship between forgiveness and love?

Prayer:

Lord, forgive us for the times we have been self-righteous and judgmental. Help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude and compassion, recognizing the depth of your forgiveness in our lives. Guide us to extend grace to others as you have extended it to us. Amen.

Tags:Luke, forgiveness, repentance, grace, faith, love, sinner, Pharisee, Jesus, parable, gratitude, Lent, Ash Wednesday, salvation