Luke 7:40 – “Jesus answered him, ‘Simon, I have something to tell you.’ ‘Tell me, teacher,’ he said.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus responds to Simon the Pharisee’s silent judgment (from Luke 7:39) regarding the woman who anointed His feet. Simon had doubted Jesus’ status as a prophet because he believed a prophet would never allow a sinful woman to touch him. But Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, speaks directly to him. This interaction is significant because it demonstrates Jesus’ divine insight and willingness to confront people’s inner attitudes with grace and truth.
Jesus’ statement, “I have something to tell you,” introduces a lesson through a parable, which Jesus often used to reveal spiritual truths. Simon’s response, “Tell me, teacher,” seems respectful on the surface, but it is possible that Simon’s initial respect is superficial. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Simon’s heart is clouded by self-righteousness, and Jesus’ teaching will challenge that mindset.
Historical Context
Pharisees like Simon were known for their strict observance of the law and their belief that holiness required separation from sinners. They often saw themselves as spiritual gatekeepers, judging others who didn’t meet their standards of righteousness. Jesus frequently clashed with Pharisees because they focused on external religious practices while neglecting the condition of their hearts (Matthew 23:25-28).
Meals were often settings for theological discussion and debate, so Simon’s invitation to Jesus may have been partly motivated by curiosity or a desire to challenge Him. The fact that Simon refers to Jesus as “teacher” (or “Rabbi”) shows that he recognizes Jesus as someone with religious authority, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Simon believes in Him as the Messiah.
In Jewish culture, it was believed that a prophet had the ability to discern people’s hearts and intentions. Simon’s silent doubt in the previous verse reflects his belief that Jesus couldn’t be a true prophet if He didn’t recognize the woman’s sinfulness. However, Jesus’ knowledge of Simon’s unspoken thoughts and His ability to address them directly prove otherwise.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights Jesus’ divine knowledge and authority. His ability to know Simon’s thoughts demonstrates that He is not just a teacher but someone with insight into the human heart. This is a key attribute of God, who sees beyond outward appearances and knows our innermost thoughts (1 Samuel 16:7).
It also reveals Jesus’ approach to dealing with self-righteousness. Rather than condemning Simon outright, Jesus gently but firmly confronts him through a parable. This shows that Jesus’ goal is not just to expose sin but to lead people to repentance and transformation. Simon’s self-righteous attitude needs correction just as much as the woman’s sinful past needed forgiveness.
Furthermore, this interaction illustrates the importance of humility in receiving God’s truth. Simon’s outward respect (“Tell me, teacher”) is contrasted with the woman’s humble, repentant actions. While Simon may be willing to listen to Jesus, his heart is not as open as the woman’s, highlighting the difference between intellectual acknowledgment and genuine faith.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often uses contrasts to highlight key spiritual truths, and this passage is no exception. The contrast between Simon’s inner thoughts and Jesus’ public response creates dramatic tension, drawing the reader’s attention to the significance of Jesus’ teaching. The phrase “I have something to tell you” serves as a turning point, setting up the parable that will follow (Luke 7:41-43).
Simon’s response, “Tell me, teacher,” reflects polite engagement, but the narrative suggests that he doesn’t fully understand what is about to happen. This is a common literary device in the Gospels, where Jesus’ teachings often catch His listeners off guard, challenging their assumptions and leading them to deeper spiritual insights.
The structure of this passage also emphasizes Jesus’ authority as a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also discerns hearts and reveals truth. This authority will be further demonstrated as Jesus uses the parable to expose Simon’s lack of love and gratitude compared to the woman’s heartfelt devotion.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 7:41-43 – The parable of the two debtors that Jesus tells immediately after this verse, illustrating the relationship between forgiveness and love.
- John 2:24-25 – Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature because He knew what was in people’s hearts, showing His divine knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, highlighting the difference between Simon’s judgment and Jesus’ insight.
- Matthew 23:25-28 – Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their focus on external righteousness while neglecting the inner condition of their hearts.
- Hebrews 4:12-13 – The Word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, reflecting Jesus’ ability to reveal what is hidden.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a reminder that Jesus knows our hearts and is not fooled by outward appearances. We may be able to hide our thoughts and intentions from others, but nothing is hidden from Him. This truth should lead us to approach Him with honesty, humility, and a desire for genuine transformation.
It also challenges believers to examine their attitudes toward others. Like Simon, we can be tempted to judge people based on their past or their outward actions. But Jesus’ response to Simon shows that God’s concern is with the heart, not external appearances. Christians are called to extend grace and compassion, recognizing that everyone is in need of God’s mercy.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to be teachable. Simon’s willingness to listen to Jesus is a step in the right direction, but his self-righteousness hinders him from fully receiving the lesson. Christians should cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that spiritual growth requires being open to correction and willing to admit when we are wrong.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way Jesus patiently addresses Simon’s self-righteousness. Rather than rebuking Simon harshly, Jesus engages him in a conversation designed to reveal the truth and lead him toward repentance. This demonstrates that God’s love is not just for those who are outwardly sinful, like the woman, but also for those who are blinded by self-righteousness.
God’s love is also evident in the way Jesus is willing to meet people where they are, whether they are Pharisees or sinners. He doesn’t write off Simon because of his judgmental attitude. Instead, He takes the time to teach him a lesson about forgiveness and love, showing that God’s desire is for all people to come to repentance and experience His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as both a teacher and a Savior. As a teacher, He imparts wisdom through parables and personal interactions, but His teachings always point to a greater reality: the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Jesus’ response to Simon also demonstrates His mission to confront sin in all its forms. While the woman’s sin was outward and obvious, Simon’s sin was hidden and internal, rooted in pride and self-righteousness. Jesus addresses both types of sin, showing that He is the Savior for all who recognize their need for Him.
Additionally, Jesus’ ability to discern Simon’s thoughts confirms His divine nature. He is not just a teacher with human wisdom—He is the Son of God, who knows the hearts of all people and offers them the opportunity to be transformed by His grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to judge others based on their past or outward behavior? How can you adopt a more Christlike attitude?
- How does knowing that Jesus sees your thoughts and intentions challenge you to be more honest and humble in your relationship with Him?
- What can you learn from Simon’s response to Jesus? How can you cultivate a heart that is more open to correction and spiritual growth?
- In what ways can you extend grace to others, especially those whom society tends to judge or reject?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in Jesus’ ability to transform both outwardly sinful people and those who struggle with hidden sins like pride?
Luke 7:40 reminds us that Jesus knows our hearts and invites us into a relationship where we can be honest about our need for forgiveness and growth. His loving confrontation of Simon shows that God’s desire is not to condemn but to lead us to a deeper understanding of His grace and truth.