Week 2 - March 1 - Breaking Love Wide Open

Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and when he went into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine. And a woman in the city who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair, kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 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 bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus really likes to eat. Story after story includes Jesus sitting around a table with others, eating and drinking. And it quickly becomes obvious that he does not discriminate when it comes to his dinner companions. From Pharisees, high-ranking religious leaders who set the social and behavioral standards for the Israelites, to tax-collectors and other sinners, Jesus will share a meal with anyone. In fact, Luke juxtaposes these situations to illustrate just how inclusive and powerful Jesus’ presence is, and to put in sharp relief what Jesus’ mission is.

Meals during this time were important affairs, usually held only two times a day. While morning meals could be more simple, evening meals were typically elaborate and were not rushed affairs. In shaded areas in and around the home, often in courtyards or porches open to the street, people would sit, or in wealthier households recline, around a table to enjoy a robust spread of breads, olives, vegetable stews, fish, honey, and all kinds of fruits.

Hospitality before the meal was expected and essential for sanitary purposes alone. Wiping the dirt off of a guest’s feet was an act of welcoming someone into your home as well as preventing the spread of germs. Providing oil or ointment to be applied to feet and hands was viewed as a common courtesy and simple hygiene, not something reserved for sacred rituals.

But when Jesus eats with Simon, a Pharisee, the typical hospitality is lacking. It’s only when an unnamed woman (whom we are told is a “sinner”) approaches the table, and begins to wash and anoint Jesus’ feet, that Simon seems to react in any way to Jesus’ presence. He reproaches Jesus for not being able to tell “what kind of woman” he is allowing to touch him. And Jesus calls him by name and then tells him a story.

Jesus’ story is reminiscent of Nathan’s story to David in 2 Samuel, told in order to cause the hearer to pass judgement on their own behavior. In the story Jesus tells, debt is a common metaphor for sin, and forgiveness is directly related to love. Jesus brings it home by relating the story directly to their situation. The woman, whose sins were many, is already forgiven, and she demonstrates overwhelming gratitude and love. While there is ambiguity in the original text around whether or not love enables forgiveness or is a demonstrative response to forgiveness, the link is clear. Love and forgiveness go together.

This woman, compelled by gratitude for who Jesus is and what his forgiveness means for her, slips into a space where she is not welcome. But she enters anyway, her love giving her courage to overcome whatever shame she is sure to encounter. Somehow, of all the people around the table, she sees Jesus clearly, and she responds accordingly. She pours out her perfume along with her tears, and is received, defended, and blessed by Jesus. Only God can forgive sins, so Jesus’ statement is an announcement of his power and divinity. What starts as an awkward moment at the dinner table becomes a sacred moment for everyone there who has eyes to witness it.

The relationship between sin and forgiveness is messy. It is not simple or straightforward; there is no easy formula. But when love is present, then the work becomes holy. Jesus’ forgiveness and love of this woman makes space for her to love him back, and she doesn’t hesitate. Jesus does the same for us.

Where has forgiveness made space for love in your life?
Where has love been the ground for forgiveness in your life?