Luke 7:45 – “You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus continues to contrast Simon the Pharisee’s lack of hospitality with the woman’s overwhelming display of love and devotion. In Jewish culture, greeting a guest with a kiss was a common sign of respect and welcome, similar to shaking hands or giving a warm embrace today. By pointing out that Simon neglected this basic courtesy, Jesus reveals Simon’s failure to properly honor Him.
The woman’s actions, however, go far beyond the cultural expectations. Instead of a simple kiss on the cheek, she continually kisses Jesus’ feet, a gesture of deep humility and affection. This act shows that her love is sincere and heartfelt, driven by gratitude for the forgiveness she has received. Jesus is making it clear that genuine love for God is demonstrated through actions, not just words or empty rituals.
Historical Context
Hospitality played a crucial role in ancient Middle Eastern society. A host was expected to show respect and welcome their guest with acts of hospitality such as offering water for washing feet, a kiss of greeting, and anointing the guest’s head with oil. Neglecting these acts would be considered rude or dismissive, especially when welcoming someone of high status or importance.
By failing to greet Jesus with a kiss, Simon showed that he did not truly honor Him as a significant guest. This neglect likely reflects Simon’s skepticism or lack of recognition of Jesus as a prophet or teacher worth respecting. The woman’s behavior, however, defies cultural norms. Her kisses on Jesus’ feet demonstrate her recognition of who He is—someone worthy of worship and devotion. Her actions also show that she is unconcerned with the opinions of those around her; her focus is entirely on honoring Jesus.
In Jewish thought, feet were considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body due to the dusty roads and open sandals commonly worn. Touching or kissing someone’s feet was an extreme act of humility, usually reserved for servants or acts of deep respect. The fact that the woman kisses Jesus’ feet repeatedly shows the depth of her repentance and her gratitude for His grace.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the connection between forgiveness and love. The woman’s expression of love for Jesus is a result of her understanding of the forgiveness she has received. Jesus is pointing out that those who recognize the depth of their sin and the greatness of God’s grace will naturally respond with love and devotion.
Simon, on the other hand, doesn’t show the same love because he doesn’t see himself as needing much forgiveness. This reveals a key theological truth: when people minimize their sin or believe they can earn God’s favor through good behavior, they fail to experience the fullness of His grace and their love for Him remains shallow.
The verse also demonstrates that genuine worship comes from the heart. The woman’s actions are not calculated or performed out of obligation—they are an outpouring of love driven by her gratitude for being forgiven. True worship is not about following rituals or traditions but about responding to God’s mercy with humility and devotion.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often uses contrasts to highlight spiritual truths, and this verse is part of a larger contrast between Simon and the woman. Simon represents self-righteousness and superficial religiosity, while the woman represents humility, repentance, and genuine love. The imagery of kissing Jesus’ feet reinforces the theme of reversal, where the socially despised woman is elevated as an example of true faith and devotion.
The phrase “has not stopped kissing my feet” emphasizes the woman’s persistence and passion. This repetition of action highlights her wholehearted commitment to honoring Jesus, in contrast to Simon’s neglect. The use of feet as the focal point of her affection also symbolizes her humility, as she chooses the most lowly and humble part of Jesus to honor.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 15:20 – The father of the prodigal son greets him with a kiss, symbolizing love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
- Psalm 2:12 – “Kiss his son, or he will be angry,” a symbolic act of submission and reverence to God’s chosen king, which parallels the woman’s kiss of submission to Jesus.
- Romans 5:8 – God demonstrates His love for us through Jesus’ sacrifice, which mirrors the woman’s demonstration of love in response to His forgiveness.
- 1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us,” showing that our love for God is a response to His grace and mercy.
- Matthew 26:48-50 – Judas’ kiss of betrayal contrasts with the woman’s kiss of love and devotion, highlighting the difference between false and genuine devotion.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that love for God is not shown through words alone but through actions that flow from a heart of gratitude. The woman’s example challenges believers to examine how they express their love for Jesus. Are we going through the motions of religious duty, like Simon, or are we genuinely worshiping God with humility and devotion?
This verse also encourages believers to reflect on the depth of their gratitude for God’s forgiveness. If we find ourselves lacking passion in our relationship with God, it may be because we’ve forgotten how much we’ve been forgiven. The woman’s love was driven by her understanding of the grace she had received, and Christians are called to respond to God’s forgiveness in the same way.
Additionally, this verse challenges believers to be humble in their worship. The woman wasn’t concerned with what others thought of her—she was focused solely on honoring Jesus. Today’s Christians can learn from her example by setting aside pride and self-consciousness in order to worship God wholeheartedly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His acceptance of the woman’s act of worship. While others may have judged her based on her past, Jesus saw her heart and welcomed her love. This demonstrates that God’s love is not conditional—it is freely given to those who come to Him with humility and faith.
God’s love is also patient and restorative. By pointing out Simon’s neglect, Jesus is gently inviting him to recognize his own need for forgiveness and experience the same love and grace that the woman has received. God’s love doesn’t exclude anyone, but it requires humility and repentance to fully experience its transformative power.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the one who forgives and restores sinners. By accepting the woman’s act of worship, He demonstrates that He is not only willing to forgive sin but that He welcomes sinners into a relationship with Him. The woman’s actions foreshadow the kind of devotion that Jesus desires from His followers—a love that flows from a heart transformed by grace.
Jesus’ response to the woman also demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, which is a central theme of His ministry. By accepting her worship and pointing out Simon’s failure, Jesus is showing that He values humility and repentance over religious status or outward appearance. His forgiveness is available to all who recognize their need for it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you express your love for Jesus in your daily life? Is it reflected in your actions, or is it primarily words and routines?
- Are there areas in your life where you, like Simon, may be neglecting to honor Jesus as He deserves?
- What can you learn from the woman’s humility and boldness in worshiping Jesus without concern for the opinions of others?
- How does reflecting on the forgiveness you’ve received from God inspire you to love Him more deeply?
- How can you demonstrate your love for Jesus through acts of service, worship, and obedience in practical ways?
Luke 7:45 is a powerful reminder that love for Jesus is shown through humble and heartfelt actions. The woman’s example challenges us to worship God with genuine devotion, reflecting the gratitude we have for His forgiveness. True love for God is not about appearances—it’s about giving Him our whole heart, just as the woman gave everything she had to honor Jesus.