Luke records three instances when Jesus was invited to eat in the home of a Pharisee. One of those is found in Luke 7:36-50. Simon (a Pharisee) invited Jesus into his home for supper. We are not told what Simon’s intentions were, but Jesus accepted His invitation.
Jesus and Simon were not the only people at this supper. There was a woman referred to as a “sinner” also present (Luke 7:39). This woman is not to be confused with Mary, who was the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12:1-8). She is also not to be confused with Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2). This is an anonymous woman who was grateful for the forgiveness of Jesus. She went to the table, shed tears over Jesus, wiped His feet with her hair, and anointed Him with an expensive bottle of perfume.
In what ways are we challenged by what transpired at this supper?
We are challenged to avoid self-righteousness.
- Why was this woman at Simon’s house? Who invited her to dinner? In ancient times, when people in a community became aware of religious teachers having dinner, they could attend, sit along the walls, and listen to their conversation. They were allowed to listen to them debate and discuss various spiritual topics.
- It was not unusual for the woman to be present at this supper, but Simon was shocked by how Jesus accepted her service (Luke 7:39). He was disturbed that Jesus would allow someone like her to touch Him. Jesus was aware of his prideful thinking, and He called him out.
- Simon’s attitude was similar to that of the self-righteous Pharisee described in Luke 18:9-14. Simon saw a woman that he believed was beneath him and a lost cause.
- Jesus saw a woman who was loved and valued by God. He saw a woman who needed to be saved and that He came to save (Luke 19:9-10).
- Is our attitude towards the lost more like Simon’s or Jesus’?
We are challenged to be humbled by God’s forgiveness.
- After exposing Simon’s arrogant thinking, Jesus told a parable about two debtors (Luke 7:40-48).
- While one man owed 50 denarii and the other 500 denarii, neither could repay their debt. The moneylender completely forgives their debts (Luke 7:42). The debtors represent every sinner (Romans 3:9, 23; 6:23). No sinner can pay the debt of sin. If the debt of sin is to be paid in full, it will require God’s grace and forgiveness!
- Simon felt entitled to God’s forgiveness and took it for granted. The woman was humble and full of faith and gratitude (Luke 7:47-48).
- Do we understand how much of a big deal it is to be forgiven? Does God’s forgiveness of the debt of sin compel us to love God and serve Him with zeal and passion (Romans 1:14-16)?
We are challenged to see the truth about the Lord’s identity.
- The question of Jesus’ identity is posed throughout the gospel (Luke 7:49, 19; Mark 4:41; Matthew 16:18). This question is answered emphatically at Simon’s house.
- Jesus is One of authority. He has the authority to heal, calm storms, walk on water, raise the dead, and forgive sins. He was God in the flesh. He was able to do things that only God can do!
- In a world where many are confused about Jesus, we must stand firm on what the gospel reveals about His identity.
Conclusion:
It doesn’t matter what sins we have committed, the Lord will forgive us when we humbly come to Him.