She had no right to be there.
After all, this gathering was for the religious and the elite of the town and she was neither of those things. In fact, sinner was the word that most people used when describing her.
Not only was she out of place at Simon the Pharisee’s house, but she also made a spectacle of herself. First, she went to the place where Jesus was seated, fell down behind him and began crying so loudly that everyone could hear her.
Then, unbelievably, she touched Jesus. Women of that day did not even hold their husband’s hand in public, yet she fell on Jesus and poured expensive perfume on him.
Lastly, she did the unthinkable. She wiped his feet with her hair. Jewish women never let their hair down in public. It was customary for a woman to bind her hair up on her wedding day and only her husband would see it down again. At the time, this was the height of immodesty (Luke 7:36-38)
As he watched these things take place, Simon, the good and righteous Bible teacher, began to think he may have been wrong about Jesus. “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner!” (verse 39).
Most scholars believe that sinner, as it is used here, is just a nice way of saying prostitute. Obviously, Simon had no respect for this woman and he was quickly losing respect for Jesus.
It is quite a contrast. On one side of the table, the intelligent, well thought of Bible scholar, Simon, visits with Jesus, but he is aloof and very judgmental. On the other side of the table, an unnamed and unappreciated woman pours her heart out in thanksgiving to the point of public embarrassment.
Why do these two people react so differently?
To one, Jesus is interesting. To the other, he is essential.
Simon thought he was good on his own and that he really did not need Jesus. The woman knew exactly how much she needed God’s forgiveness, so Jesus’ message created a huge response in her (verses 41-50).
It is one thing to know about Jesus. It is another thing to know Jesus himself
Faith becomes real and effective when the gospel story becomes my story.
