There are two things that really amaze me in this story.
The first is that Jesus never judged nor condemned her for her sin. He did not mention a single sin of hers. How often are we tempted to point out the wrongs of others?
The second is that there is no record of her asking for forgiveness, not saying anything at all. Her tears were enough for Jesus. He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Because this woman lived a life of sin, she was forgiven by Jesus by her graciousness she showed of his presence. The lesson that was taught has to do with faithfulness and belief the Jesus will forgive us of our sins if we just show how much we believe in Him. This sinful woman had nothing to offer, or should I say barter to pay for her sins, but she offered to wash his feet, which is sign of ultimate respect and adoration. She offered to annoint his head with a blessing and a peace offering to be forgiven of her sins. But Simon showed no such appreciation and he was able to do all those things that the sinful woman did. Because she was so faithful to Jesus, he has forgiven her sins and allowed her to go in peace knowing that she no longer has to carry that burden.
One of the Pharisees
invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat
at the table. Behold, a
woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in
the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 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. Now when the
Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "This man,
if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this
is who touches him, that she is a sinner."
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." Turning to the woman, he said to
Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered into your
house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with
her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but she,
since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You didn't anoint my head with
oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins,
which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is
forgiven, the same loves little." He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Those who sat at the
table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even
forgives sins?"
He said to the woman,
"Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."