Jesus was invited to dinner at Simon the Pharisee’s house.  He was a respected man in the synagogue and city.  While reclining at the table, a woman came in and stood behind Jesus at His feet.  (She had heard He was there and she came.)

  We are not told the woman’s name but we are told her reputation was known and it was one of disdain and disrespect by “good” people.

This woman had brought a vial of alabaster filled with perfume and she wanted to anoint Jesus with it.  As she stood there, she knelt at the feet of Jesus and began crying.  Her tears fell on His feet and she had no towel so she used her hair to wipe His feet.  Then she anointed His feet with the perfume.

The Pharisee was incensed!  He thought to himself, if Jesus is a prophet He would know what kind of woman this is!

Now Jesus knew what the man was thinking so He said,
(NASB) Luke 7:40-43 “…‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’  And he replied, ‘Say it, Teacher.’
41 ‘A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 ‘When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both.  So which of them will love him more?’
43 Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’  And He said to him, ‘You have judged correctly.’”

Paraphrased Luke 7:44-50 Then Jesus turned toward the woman and continued to speak to Simon, asking him a question…
Do you see this woman?  Look at what she has done for me!  When I entered your house you gave me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair.  You gave me no kiss (of greeting); but she has not ceased to kiss my feet.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins are forgiven (she has many sins) for she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little, loves little.

Jesus then spoke to this weeping woman, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

The other dinner guests reclining at the table with Jesus couldn’t believe it…“Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

Jesus then said to this woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Forgiven: Much or Little?  Either way we are to know that we have been forgiven because our faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are then to “go in peace” and not let the guilt of sin dog our steps any longer.

Forgiven!

Faith in Jesus is what saves us; it is Jesus Who forgives us.

We are to “go in peace”!