Luke 7:36 to 7:50 Those who realize how deeply they have been forgiven by Jesus respond with extravagant love, gratitude, and worship. Analyze the stark contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman. Examine the parable of the two debtors and its spiritual implications. Understand that Jesus possesses divine authority to forgive sins and grant peace. In ancient Near Eastern hospitality, a host provided water for dusty feet, a welcoming kiss of greeting, and oil for the head. Simon withheld these basic courtesies from Jesus, yet invited him to observe him closely. An Unexpected Guest with Extravagant Love While Jesus reclined at dinner in the house of Simon the Pharisee, an unnamed woman known throughout the city as a sinner entered. Carrying an expensive alabaster flask of fragrant ointment, she stood weeping behind Jesus at his feet. Her tears washed his feet, and she wiped them with her hair, kissing his feet and pouring out the ointment in humble adoration. The Parable of the Two Debtors Simon thought to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, he would know what kind of immoral woman was touching him. Discerning Simon's judgmental thoughts, Jesus told a story: a moneylender had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When neither could pay, he canceled both debts freely. Jesus asked which debtor would love him more. Simon answered correctly: 'The one, I suppose, for whom he canceled the larger debt.' Faith, Forgiveness, and Peace Turning to the woman, Jesus contrasted her deep devotion with Simon's cold neglect: Simon gave no water, kiss, or oil, but she had not ceased to wet his feet with tears and anoint them. Jesus declared: 'Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.' When the dinner guests questioned who could forgive sins, Jesus said to the woman: 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.' Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. Luke 7:47 What did the woman use to wash and dry Jesus' feet? Her tears and her hair, along with fragrant ointment Water from Simon's golden bowl A clean linen towel from the market Rainwater from the courtyard Her tears and her hair, along with fragrant ointment Luke 7:38 records that she wept, washed his feet with tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with ointment. In the parable of the two debtors, why did the moneylender cancel their debts? Because neither debtor had the ability to pay, showing pure mercy Because the debtors worked hard for ten years Because the Roman government forced him to do so Because they gave him valuable property in exchange Because neither debtor had the ability to pay, showing pure mercy Luke 7:42 highlights that when they could not pay, he canceled both debts freely, mirroring God's grace. What parting words did Jesus say to the woman at the end of the passage? Your faith has saved you; go in peace Go and build a new synagogue You must pay back the money lender Never speak to anyone again Your faith has saved you; go in peace Luke 7:50 records Jesus confirming her salvation by faith and granting her lasting peace with God. Reflect on God's forgiveness in your own life, and write a letter of sincere thanks to Jesus in a journal or prayer notebook. Lord Jesus, friend of sinners, thank you for your boundless mercy. Like the woman with the alabaster flask, I come to you knowing my deep need of forgiveness. Cleanse my heart from self righteousness and fill me with overflowing love for you. May I live in your saving peace. Amen. Why was Simon the Pharisee blind to his own spiritual bankruptcy while the woman saw hers clearly? How does remembering how much Jesus has forgiven you help you forgive classmates who wrong you? Junior scholars examine Jesus forgiving the sinful woman, learning that genuine appreciation of grace produces deep worship, humility, and forgiveness toward others. Bring a bottle of perfume or essential oil. Pass it around so students smell the fragrance. Explain how a bottle of costly oil was poured out in complete devotion to Jesus! Did the woman's love earn her forgiveness, or was her love the result of being forgiven? Jesus made it clear in verse 50 that her faith saved her. Her lavish love was the joyous fruit and evidence of receiving God's gracious forgiveness. 5 min Hook, 15 min Scripture Study, 10 min Small Group Interaction, 10 min Debtor Parable Activity, 5 min Prayer