Love and Forgiveness: The Sinful Woman Who Washed Jesus’ Feet

The room was filled with murmurs. A Pharisee named Simon had invited Jesus to dine, but the mood was tense. The religious elite often watched Jesus with suspicion. Yet, in the midst of their judgment, something remarkable unfolded—a broken woman entered the room, her heart overflowing with love and repentance.

Have you ever felt like your failures were too great for God to forgive? Luke 7:36-50 reminds us that Jesus sees beyond our sins to our hearts. This is a story about the transformative power of forgiveness and the love it inspires.

The Scandal of Grace

The woman who entered Simon’s house was known in the city as a sinner. Her reputation preceded her, and the Pharisees saw her as unworthy of being near Jesus. But she wasn’t focused on their opinions—she was drawn to Jesus because she understood who He was and what He could offer.

Carrying an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, she knelt at Jesus’ feet, her tears streaming down, mixing with the dust on His sandals. She wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the oil.

For the Pharisees, this was scandalous. Simon thought to himself, “If this Man were a prophet, He would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39, NKJV).

Jesus’ Response: A Story of Two Debtors

Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, told a parable. A creditor had two debtors—one owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty. When neither could repay, the creditor forgave both. Jesus asked Simon, “Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” (Luke 7:42).

Simon answered, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” Jesus affirmed this and then turned to the woman.

“Your Sins Are Forgiven”

Jesus pointed out that Simon had offered none of the customary acts of hospitality: no water for His feet, no greeting kiss, no oil for His head. Yet this woman, despite her sinful past, had shown extraordinary love. “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little” (Luke 7:47).

Jesus then said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:48, 50). In those words, He affirmed that forgiveness isn’t earned—it’s a gift. Her love was a response to the grace she had received, not a condition for it.

What About You?

This story invites us to examine our own hearts:

  1. Do you see yourself in the woman? Are there sins or failures you feel disqualify you from coming to Jesus? His response to her shows that no sin is too great for His grace.
  2. Do you see yourself in Simon? Are there moments when you judge others or fail to see your own need for forgiveness? Jesus reminds us that we all owe a debt we cannot repay.

Lessons from the Sinful Woman

This encounter reveals several powerful truths:

  1. Forgiveness Transforms: The woman’s love wasn’t born out of obligation but out of a heart overwhelmed by Jesus’ mercy. Forgiveness changes us, freeing us to love extravagantly.
  2. Faith Saves: Jesus didn’t commend her actions alone—He acknowledged her faith as the key to her salvation.
  3. Grace is for Everyone: Whether you feel like the greater debtor or the lesser, the truth is the same—none of us can repay the debt of sin. But Jesus offers forgiveness freely to those who come to Him.

Walking It Out Together

If you’ve been forgiven by Jesus, let it change how you live and love. Like the woman, let your gratitude overflow. And like Jesus, extend grace to those who need it, knowing that His mercy is for everyone.