Jesus dines out the home of a Pharisee called Simon (v36-50) and as he does so, a woman with a sinful past anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and oil, and wipes them with her hair (v37-38).

Simon the Pharisee is aghast but doesn’t say out loud what he is thinking (v39). Jesus though of course knows and responds with a story about two debtors and being thankful at being forgiven (v40-43). The one forgiven the most would love the most.

Jesus then turns this story on Simon and shows that the woman who was aware of her sin had a great love for Christ at being forgiven but Simon who was self-righteous had little love for Christ (v44-47).

Being aware of our sin is not comfortable but it is vital in order to be aware of Christ’s forgiveness and saving grace. Even Christians need to be reminded daily of their great sin and constant need of forgiveness.

The crowd grumble but Jesus forgives this sinful woman who trusts in Him (v48-50). Here is the one source of all forgiveness.