Luke 7:39 – “When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, we see the reaction of the Pharisee, named Simon (as revealed later in Luke 7:40), to the woman’s act of devotion to Jesus. As the woman weeps, washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, and anoints Him with perfume, Simon silently criticizes both Jesus and the woman. He assumes that a true prophet would know the woman’s sinful background and would avoid her touch to maintain religious purity. In Simon’s mind, the fact that Jesus allows the woman to touch Him is proof that He is not a genuine prophet.
Simon’s reaction reveals his misunderstanding of both Jesus’ mission and the heart of God. He sees the woman only as a “sinner” and assumes that she is beyond God’s grace. He also assumes that God’s prophets would avoid such people, reflecting his belief that holiness is about external separation rather than internal transformation. His silent judgment of Jesus shows that Simon is evaluating Him through human standards rather than spiritual discernment.
Historical Context
Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law and their emphasis on ritual purity. They often believed that holiness required separation from anything or anyone deemed sinful or unclean. Touching or being touched by a person with a sinful reputation could be seen as a violation of this standard, making Simon’s reaction somewhat typical of the Pharisaic mindset.
In Jewish culture, a prophet was someone who spoke on behalf of God and possessed spiritual insight. By questioning whether Jesus is truly a prophet, Simon is not only doubting Jesus’ role but also dismissing the possibility that God’s mercy could extend to someone like the woman. Simon’s view reflects the common religious attitude of the time, which prioritized external behavior over inner repentance.
Additionally, the Pharisees often believed that contact with sinners could defile someone spiritually, which is why Simon is so shocked that Jesus would allow the woman to touch Him. However, Jesus’ actions reveal that true holiness isn’t about avoiding sinners but about transforming them through God’s grace.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the danger of self-righteousness and spiritual pride. Simon’s reaction shows that he considers himself morally superior to the woman, judging her based on her past rather than seeing her potential for redemption. His self-righteousness blinds him to the fact that he, too, is in need of forgiveness.
It also underscores the difference between human judgment and God’s mercy. Simon sees only the woman’s sin, but Jesus sees her repentance and faith. God’s mercy is not limited by human standards—He welcomes those who come to Him with a humble and repentant heart, regardless of their past.
Furthermore, this verse reveals the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ role as the Messiah. They expected the Messiah to be a figure of judgment and power, not someone who would associate with sinners. But Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), demonstrating that God’s plan of salvation is rooted in grace, not condemnation.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel frequently contrasts the attitudes of the self-righteous with those who recognize their need for God’s mercy. In this passage, the internal dialogue of the Pharisee serves as a window into his heart, showing his judgmental attitude and spiritual blindness. The fact that Simon’s thoughts are revealed but not spoken aloud creates dramatic tension, as Jesus will soon respond to Simon’s unspoken judgment in a way that demonstrates His divine insight (Luke 7:40).
The phrase “what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner” highlights Simon’s inability to see beyond the woman’s past. His labeling of her as a “sinner” reflects a common tendency to define people by their worst mistakes, rather than seeing them as individuals capable of change. This literary device sets up the contrast between Simon’s limited perspective and Jesus’ understanding of the woman’s heart.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 18:9-14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, where the self-righteous Pharisee exalts himself while the humble sinner is justified before God.
- Matthew 9:10-13 – Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, and when criticized by the Pharisees, He explains that He came to call sinners, not the righteous.
- Isaiah 1:18 – God invites sinners to come to Him for forgiveness, showing that no sin is too great for His mercy.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” a reminder that God’s judgment is based on what is inside, not external appearances.
- John 8:7-11 – Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery, showing that His mission is to offer grace and restoration rather than condemnation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a warning against judging others based on their past mistakes or external appearances. Like Simon, we can be quick to label people as “sinners” and assume that they are beyond God’s reach. But Jesus’ response shows that true faith involves seeing people through God’s eyes—with compassion and hope for their transformation.
It also challenges believers to examine their own hearts. Are we more like the Pharisee, focused on the faults of others while ignoring our own need for grace? Or are we like the woman, humbly coming to Jesus with repentance and gratitude? True faith requires acknowledging that we all need forgiveness, regardless of how “good” we appear on the outside.
This verse also encourages Christians to extend grace to others, especially those who are seeking God. Instead of being quick to judge, we are called to be agents of God’s mercy, welcoming those who are turning to Him for healing and forgiveness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His willingness to forgive those whom society has written off as unworthy. The fact that Jesus allows the woman to touch Him demonstrates that God’s love is inclusive and compassionate. While others may judge based on outward appearances, God looks at the heart and responds to genuine repentance.
God’s love is also patient. Even when Simon silently judges both Jesus and the woman, Jesus doesn’t respond with anger or condemnation. Instead, He uses the situation as a teaching moment to reveal the depth of God’s grace and the importance of forgiveness. This shows that God’s love is not only for the repentant sinner but also for those, like Simon, who are blinded by self-righteousness and in need of correction.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ role as the Savior who seeks out the lost and extends grace to sinners. By allowing the woman to anoint His feet, Jesus is demonstrating that He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation to those who are far from Him. His response to Simon’s judgment highlights His mission to confront self-righteousness and reveal the true nature of God’s mercy.
Jesus’ acceptance of the woman also foreshadows His ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross. Just as He forgives and restores the woman, He would later offer forgiveness to all who come to Him in faith, regardless of their past.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there people in your life whom you tend to judge based on their past or outward appearance? How can you change your perspective to reflect God’s grace?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine your own need for forgiveness and avoid a self-righteous attitude?
- How can you be more like Jesus, showing compassion and acceptance to those who are seeking God’s mercy?
- What does Simon’s reaction reveal about the dangers of focusing on external appearances rather than the condition of the heart?
- How does understanding God’s willingness to forgive encourage you to share the message of grace with others?
Luke 7:39 is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is available to all who come to Him with a repentant heart. It challenges us to let go of judgment, embrace humility, and reflect the mercy of Jesus to those around us.