What’s the Motivation?

Luke 7:36-50

Jesus repeatedly rebuked the Pharisees for their constant focus on social climbing. He said that everything they did was calculated to advance them socially, religiously, or politically. They vied constantly for the upper position at feasts, and their religious activity was always done to attract attention.

Because Jesus had attracted a large following, Simon, one of the Pharisees, invited him to his house, because it would increase his standing with the people. He could brag about having Jesus in his home. It would be a social coup, something the others hadn’t done.

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.” (Luke 7:36)

We can only assume the ointment was something similar to that the woman brought to Simon the Leper’s house just before the crucifixion, very precious. That it is not the same event is clear from the different description of the actions of the woman, and of Jesus’ comments. In that case the woman poured the ointment on his head, but here the woman washed his feet with her tears, and dried them with her hair before applying the ointment to his feet.

"And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” (Luke 7:37-38)

The woman lived a lifestyle that was clearly contrary to what Simon deemed acceptable, and he was offended that she even came into his house. He was even more offended that Jesus would allow some one with such a reputation to touch him. That he didn’t appear to recognize what she was implied that he really didn’t have the Holy Spirit’s leadership in Simon’s mind. This was really going to work out good for Simon, impressing the common people that he had Jesus to dinner, and pleasing the leaders that he has evidence that Jesus isn’t really from God.

“Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39)

Jesus uses a parable or illustration to point out some things to Simon. He starts by using the example of a couple of debtors whos debt has been forgiven. As he points out the greater our awareness of debt, the more we appreciate what has been done for us. Simon was quick to see this and realize that it would affect a persons appreciation for what has been done. People who don’t have much sense of indebtedness have little sense of obligation.

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” (Luke 7:40-43)

In a society where everyone walked every where, wearing sandals, it was just a matter of common courtesy to provide water to wash a guest’s feet, and in a case of respect to perform the act or have a servant do it. To provide an ointment to relieve the effects of the sun shining on one’s head was a further mark of respect and concern. The failure to kiss him was as much a mark of disrespect as refusing to shake hands is in American culture. And not doing these things was about the equivalent of not inviting a guest to sit down and talk. It was extremely rude and disrespectful behavior. It is apparent that Simon’s interest was not in what Jesus had to say, but in establishing his own moral ascendancy.

“And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” (Luke 7:44-47)

In his self righteous pride, Simon has pretended to have the same interest as this woman who was sincerely aware of her sinfulness and appreciated what Jesus had done for her. As a result, her sins were forgiven her, and she was saved.

“And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50)

Simon and others present consider themselves so much better than the woman that they were offended that he said her sins were forgiven. I John 1:8-10 states, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” The attitude that we never did anything really bad to need forgiveness keeps us from accepting or appreciating Jesus’ forgiveness. It is a major reason some never get saved, and others fall away after a while. The wickedest people often become the best Christians, because they are honest with themselves.