Simon Says

Simon said, “… This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner!”

Luke 7:39 (WEB)

Put yourself in the scenario above. Simon, the Pharisee in the verse, was thinking to himself. He hadn’t verbalized anything yet.

He didn’t realize that Jesus knew everything that he was thinking. Jesus knew his heart. Simon was face to face with God.

Jesus faced ongoing criticism from the corrupt religious leaders of His time. They constantly plotted to trap Him, always trying to outsmart the Creator of their own minds.

Jesus saw each motive, word and deed.

Our study today explores the story of Jesus, Simon the Pharisee, and a nameless woman burdened by guilt and shame.

“A Light that no darkness can hide.”

During His time on earth, Christ connected with people burdened with their wealth, poverty, illness, and various forms of oppression.

Religious leaders turned away from Him, while humble sinners came to believe in Him. They loved Him because He was genuine and full of grace—and they believed.

Be sure to read the story. Luke 7:36-50

Simon invited Jesus to dinner. But his intentions weren’t good.

Simon might have been curious, but the Pharisees often tried to trap Jesus. It’s unclear why he invited Him, but Simon failed to give Jesus a proper welcome; he didn’t wash His feet, greet Him with a kiss, or offer Him even a cup of water.

Then our story takes a twist.

Look who invites herself to the party.

Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. ³⁸ Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 

Luke 7:37-38 (WEB)

Jesus knew the woman’s heart was full of sin. But it was all full of faith. She trusted Jesus with her heart. She knew that Jesus would never reject her.

Look again at our key verse at the opening of today’s devotion.

Jesus knew the grip of selfish pride that held Simon’s heart.

Yes, Simon was judging the woman, but his condemnation was really against Jesus.

Jesus knew. And Jesus addressed Simon’s sin with a parable.

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

He said, “Teacher, say on.”

“A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”

Simon answered, “He, I suppose to whom he forgave the most.”

He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

Luke 7:40-43 (WEB)

Look what Jesus does.

Look at His body language.

Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?…

Luke 7:44 (WEB)

Did you catch that?

Jesus looked at the sinful woman. He gave her His full attention and love. He gave her grace in front of the prideful Pharisee.

But He spoke to the Pharisee.

Look what Jesus tells Simon while looking into the soul of this woman,

“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair.  You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in.  You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Luke 7:44-47 (WEB)

Simon’s evil thoughts were fully known by the Lord. Simon was unchanged.

The guilty woman’s heart was exposed by grace. She humbled herself at Jesus’ feet in spite of Simon’s judgement of her.

Trust Jesus with your deepest wounds. He sees them. He alone can give you peace.

How beautiful are the feet of those

who share the Good News!

Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked..