Jesus Teaches a Lesson about Love At Simon’s Dinner.

Mark Twain writes, “No one can be as great as God, but everyone can be as good as God.”  Jesus may have perceived Twain’s words when he sat down to dine with the popular Pharisee, Simon.

Simon, an upright man earned a notable education, is well versed in the Torah and Hebrew Scriptures, and is viewed as a pious man.  He follows the strict interpretation of the law meticulously.  His external achievements entitles him to all the appropriate seats in the Temple.  While saying all the correct things to Jesus, he saw Jesus as an upstart to the established Hebrew tradition.

However, ever courteous and well-mannered, Jesus overlooked all this and even when the slight given him when he was seated without the proper foot washing. Jesus simply assumed that Simon forgot displaying no sign of offense.

Since this is a long-standing custom, the other guests seemed puzzled as their eyes caught Jesus’ feet still encrusted with the grime of the road.  Then a woman with tears in her eyes came forward heading in Jesus’ direction carrying a small porcelain jar and a large towel.

Falling on her knees before Jesus, she suddenly began sobbing loudly.  Her tears ran down her face and fell on Jesus’ dirtied feet which she began to wipe with her towel.  She then caressed Jesus’ feet ceaselessly kissing them while pouring the sweet-smelling ointment over them. 

Those already seated began to gasp and murmur at this unusual scene.  Since they all knew her reputation as a recognized sinner, they snickered whispering, sinner around the table sending a negative message to all within hearing. 

Jesus also heard it, and turned to Simon and said, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” Simon quickly turned to Jesus and replied, “Yes, Rabbi, I’m listening?”

Jesus speaking for all to hear said, “A certain money-lender had two debtors.  One owed five hundred denarii and the second fifty.  When they couldn’t pay, he cancelled their debt.  Of the two which will love him more?”  Simon answered, “The one who owed more I suppose.” Smiling Jesus replied, “Simon, you have judged correctly.”

Then Jesus turned to the woman still looking at Simon and said, “Do you see this woman?  I entered your home, you gave no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” 

Jesus continued, “You gave me no kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet.  You offered no oil to anoint my head, yet she has anointed my feet with ointment. I tell you Simon, her sins though many are forgiven for she has loved much.”

Then, with an all-knowing gaze directed at Simon, Jesus added, “But he who is forgiven little, loves little in return.”  Then with a gentle voice Jesus softly said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.  Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

Jesus already knew the woman’s sordid reputation.  Yet in front of the entire guests, Jesus affirmed that this immoral woman actually loved God more than all these others: Simon, his Pharisee guests, and the Scribes.

Although in appearances, they pretended to love God more.  Why is this so?  As Jesus explained, the women understood that she desperately needed the forgiveness God offered, while they did not!

“They who are forgiven little, loves little”

“But to the degree we recognize the greatness of our sins and the immensity of God’s grace to forgive them, we will love that much more.”