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Jesus teaches us to ask ourselves, “How much do we love Him?”

Study of Luke 7:36-50 (ESV) One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.  (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.  (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.”  (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.”  (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.  (47)  Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”  (48)  And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”  (49)  Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”  (50)  And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Think about—It’s not only about what we’re doing and thinking, but also what we are not doing.

From Luke 7:44-47… Who does these things that Jesus makes note of here:

1/ Who washed the feet of Jesus, as a guest of this house:  …Simon ☐   …The woman ☐  

2/ Who gave Jesus a welcoming kiss:  …Simon ☐   …The woman ☐  

3/ Who anointed Jesus’ head with oil:  …Simon ☐   …The woman ☐  

Can we relate to motivation of these acts in our own relationship with Jesus?

4a/ Washing the feet of a Jesus, perhaps with our tears? (*Humility? – Also see John 13:1-9)  

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4b/ She also dried them with her hair? ______________________________________________

5/ Welcoming Jesus as our guest with a kiss? _________________________________________

6/ Anointing Jesus’ head with oil?  (Showing Him honor and respect.)

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*Added notes for this study…

John 13:1-9(ERV) It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most.  (2)  Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.)  (3)  The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God.  (4)  So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist.  (5)  Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.  (6)  He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.”  (7)  Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.”  (8)  Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”  (9)  Simon Peter said, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!”

 – Created with the study tools courtesy of ‘The Bible Hub’. — (Please use leader’s notes, see below …KRK)
We will close with Prayer, and continued fellowship, …God bless!

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Leaders notes for Luke 7:36-50, Jesus teaches us to ask, “How much do we love Him?”

— Read Luke 7:36-50… The two characters : A woman of the city & A religious Pharisee.

1/ First let’s look at this “woman of the city” from Vs. 37 & 39……

— Who labels her a sinner? The Hebrew word translated here as “sinner” indicates a person who errs in the matter of ‘loose morals’ – (Some Bible scholars claim evidence of prostitution.)

2/ Next, let’s look at the religious Pharisee…

— Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. His invitation indicates a level of curiosity or interest in Jesus, despite the general opposition from Pharisees. The act of inviting someone to a meal was a sign of respect and a desire for dialogue. — (Study tools courtesy of ‘The Bible Hub’.)

3/ A quick lesson on what these actions towards a house-guest mean…

3a/ Washing the feet of a guest of the house…

— In the ancient Near East, foot washing was a common practice due to the dusty and arid environment. People wore sandals, and their feet would become dirty from travel. It was customary for a host to provide water for guests to wash their feet upon entering a home. This task was typically performed by servants or those of lower status, highlighting the humility associated with the act.

3b/ Welcoming guests with a kiss… The Jews have a saying, that “all kisses are foolish, excepting three; the kiss of grandeur or dignity, and the kiss at parting, and the kiss at meeting.”

3c/ Anointing a house-guest’s head with oil… 

In biblical times, anointing with oil was a common practice for hospitality, signifying honor and respect. It was customary for a host to anoint the head of a guest with oil as a sign of welcome and blessing. This practice is seen in Psalm 23:5, where David speaks of God anointing his head with oil, symbolizing abundance and favor.

— The absence of this gesture by the Pharisee, Simon, highlights a lack of respect and recognition of Jesus’ status.

3d/ “but she has anointed My feet with perfume…”
The act of anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume by the woman, traditionally identified as a sinner, is a profound demonstration of humility and devotion. Perfume, or ointment, was costly and often used sparingly, indicating the woman’s sacrificial love and repentance. This act contrasts sharply with Simon’s neglect and serves as a powerful symbol of worship and recognition of Jesus’ divine authority.      – (Created with the helpful study tools courtesy of ‘The Bible Hub’)

Move on to questions and group discussion…