The Anointing of Jesus by the Sinful Woman

Context & Setting

• Main Biblical Reference: Luke 7:36–50
• Historical Period: 1st century AD (Roman-era Judea/Galilee)
• Geographic Location: A town in Galilee (in the house of a Pharisee named Simon)
• Key Characters: Jesus; Simon the Pharisee; a woman described as “a sinner”; dinner guests

The Narrative

The Beginning:
Jesus accepts an invitation to eat at the house of Simon, a Pharisee. While Jesus reclines at the meal, a woman from the town—known publicly as “a sinner”—enters carrying an alabaster flask of ointment.

The Middle:
Standing behind Jesus, the woman weeps, wetting his feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with perfume. Simon questions inwardly whether Jesus can be a prophet if he allows such a woman to touch him. Jesus responds with a brief parable about two debtors—one forgiven much and one forgiven little—then asks which debtor will love the lender more. Applying the parable, Jesus contrasts Simon’s lack of customary hospitality with the woman’s costly acts of devotion, interpreting her actions as the overflow of deep forgiveness.

The End:
Jesus declares to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven,” prompting the guests to wonder who he is to forgive sins. He tells her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” sending her away with assurance and restored standing before God.

Theological Meaning

This episode reveals Jesus’ authority to forgive sins—an authority associated with God himself—and highlights the nature of saving faith as trust that expresses itself in love. The woman’s actions are not presented as earning forgiveness but as evidence that she has been forgiven deeply, while Simon’s posture exposes how self-righteousness can blind a person to grace. The story underscores the gospel theme that God’s mercy reaches those who repent and come to Jesus, even when they are socially stigmatized.

Historical & Cultural Insight

Meals in the ancient Mediterranean world were key settings for honor, status, and hospitality. Hosts commonly provided water for guests’ feet and a kiss of greeting; the narrative’s contrast between Simon’s omissions and the woman’s extravagant care sharpens the social and theological tension. Alabaster perfume jars are well-attested in the Greco-Roman period and were often associated with costly fragrances used for personal honor and special occasions.

Key Memory Verse

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” — Luke 7:50