Have you ever known a person everyone thought was a “hopeless case”? Simon, like too many religious people, looked down on anyone he thought was less “righteous.” When a woman who was a known “sinner” (v. 37) entered Simon’s home, he had no doubt Jesus should send her away. But Jesus said “no.” Grace and forgiveness can change any life, but only when we see our need for them. Jesus saw Simon’s case as closer to hopeless than the woman’s.

• Jesus saw in the woman a beloved child of God, cause for a party in heaven (see Luke 15). Simon saw only a “sinner,” a person completely undeserving of real love. How did Jesus’ pointed contrast in verses 41-47 show the spiritual hollowness of Simon’s pious front? Spend a few moments in silence and listen. What does Jesus have to say to you (verse 40)?
• This story had an unseen “prequel.” This plainly was not the first time Jesus had met this woman. Verse 47 gives a pretty clear idea of how he must have extended grace to her earlier. In what ways can you identify with the woman’s response to Jesus? For what reasons, and to what extent, are you grateful to Jesus for forgiving, accepting and saving you?