The Life of Christ

There were three common courtesies the typical Jewish host would offer his guest upon arrival:

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A servant to cleanse his feet

• Provide a brotherly kiss, similar to the custom of shaking hands

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Anoint your guest’s head with olive oil

In each of these common requirements, Simon was negligent, whereas the woman went far beyond what was expected:

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She cleansed His feet with her tears.

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She kissed His feet.

• She anointed Him, not with mere olive oil, but costly perfume.

Simon loved little, whereas the woman loved much.

• Loving God much “goes beyond” the basic requirements.

• Loving God “less” neglects even the basic requirements.

Lk. 7:44-47 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Based upon Simon’s own reasoning offered in verse 43, her “much love” equals much forgiveness; Simon’s “little love” implies lesser forgiveness.

• When Jesus saves somebody, that person is lifted out of sin.

• The deeper their entrenchment, the further they must be lifted.

• We have all been lifted out of sin to the same height, but some have experienced a greater distance of lifting, compared to someone who may have avoided years of reckless sin.

• The tendency of the one who received a “ further lifting" is a unique inherent ability “to love much."

• This is one of the few advantages that helps counterbalance the baggage the experienced sinner brings when he or she comes to Christ.

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Lk. 8:1-3 And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

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