The Prophet and the Prostitute

Blogger Jad asked me some time ago to write about Jesus Christ and women. I’ve been reading with that in mind ever since.

The Gospel of Luke is the only one written by a non-Jew. Luke was a doctor, and had a penchant for detail. It is from this gospel the the story of the women who washed Jesus’ feet comes from. I am using the ESV translation.

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table.

Jesus, after having healed many, had just addressed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders (something he often did). John the Baptist, and Jesus, were upsetting the balance of power in the community, at every level. He had likened them to children lacking wisdom.

37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.

I find it interesting that the prostitute knew exactly where this religious leader lived, and the servants did not bar her entry. Perhaps the Pharisee was a client? She was pretty bold to come right in there to a private gathering, certainly the only woman present, knowing her reputation among them. A desperate heart would despise the shame for a chance to show her gratitude, and perhaps hear the healing words Jesus offered at the end.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

This scene was no doubt very uncomfortable for the host. In his inability to understand why Jesus would allow such an intimate act of honor, he assures himself that Jesus could not be a prophet. Jesus is turning the tables once again: welcoming sinners, reminding them of their need for cleansing. Jesus knows Simon’s mind:

40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Jesus often used stories to get his point across to those who would not hear correction directly. Simon, who judged both the woman and Jesus wrongly, now begins to get it. Jesus is making it clear that the religious ruler is a debtor, just like the prostitute. His sins are different, but the debt is the same.

44 Then 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 from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment…”

Jesus turns the tables again. Whatever motive Simon had for inviting Jesus to his home, it was preoccupying enough that he forgot the most basic rules of hospitality: no formal greeting, no water for washing, no refreshing oil. A fairly scathing indictment of inner motive, which Jesus knew as well as his earlier thoughts. Yet, he loved him in spite of it.

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Jesus challenges Simon, a leading religious leader,  to love him like this repentant prostitute does. He doesn’t white-wash the gravity of her sin, but shows the power of forgiveness and the love it evokes in a tender heart. Something Simon lacked.

48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

This is what she had come for. She had heard it in the crowd, believed it from afar. She took a chance to dare that he would say it to her personally, that his words were meant even for her, a prostitute. Her leap of faith was rewarded.

49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among [1] themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

The religious leaders were further astounded. Not only did Jesus allow the act of grace she gave, chastise a neglectful host, but proclaims her sins forgiven. This statement, for them , was blasphemy, as only God had the ability to forgive sons. Note he does not carry that forgiveness to those who were at the table. Perhaps some were even her former clients.

50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Jesus makes it clear it wasn’t her boldness, her act of gratitude, her love for him,  her turning away from her sin that saved her, it was her faith in him to forgive. The peace that had only been an elusive dream was now hers to told, to make a part of her identity, to empower her to change, to live in peace with God instead of the turmoil of rebellion.