This is among the most colorful and moving stories about Jesus in all the gospels. It's a complex story of dual encounters between Simon and Jesus on the one hand and the unnamed woman and Jesus on the other. The contrasts between them are sharply drawn. They stand at opposite poles in terms of their reputations and their attitudes and actions toward Jesus.

Jesus was invited to the house of the Pharisee named Simon. Although Simon addresses Jesus as rabbi, there were signs that he didn't really respect the Lord. As Jesus pointed out, ordinary courtesies to a guest were absent: the kiss of greeting, the washing of feet, and the offering of oil for his head.

As was typical in houses of that time, the meal was served in a room that was partly open to the outside. People could look in and observe what was happening; beggars could ask for food.

A woman with a sinful reputation slipped into the dining room. We don't know if she'd had any previous contact with Jesus, but she did know that Jesus talked to sinners and offered them forgiveness, a message she had taken to heart. Overwhelmed with loving gratitude, she wanted to show Jesus how much it meant to her.

Since Jesus was leaning on the low couch with his feet toward the outside, it was relatively easy for her to wash them with her tears, kiss them, and anoint them with perfume. A wonderful gesture---but also deeply shocking. It's not difficult to conclude that this woman's actions raise questions about her and about Jesus.

It sometimes happens in the gospels that Jesus understands what people are thinking. One look at Simon's shocked expression told him that as far as Simon was concerned Jesus should have sent the woman away as a sinner.

The air must have been filled with tension, and Jesus takes this opportunity to tell a little story. After Jesus tells them the story of the forgiven debts, he asks the question, "Now which of them will love him more?" "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt," says Simon reluctantly. "You're right," Jesus declared. He drove home the point by saying that while the woman had shown gratitude to Jesus, Simon had not. This woman had come to Jesus seeking forgiveness and salvation; Simon, on the other hand, would scorn any such idea.

It's important to understand that the woman's sins were forgiven not because of her love and gratitude. Her love and gratitude were the consequence of being forgiven, not the cause. When Jesus said "your sins are forgiven" it was to confirm what she already knew and felt.

My own experience has often confirmed the truth of this story. Those who have been forgiven much, coming to Christ out of deep rebellion and sinful misery, are often blazing with gospel gratitude and commitment.