Forgiveness and Leadership

It appears there is a curious Pharisee living in Capernaum, intrigued enough by Jesus’ ministry to risk his reputation and invite him to a meal. Jesus accepts the invitation, and what unfolds is nothing short of life-transforming. Take a look!

Questions from your reading

• What does this passage reveal about Simon the Pharisee?
• What does this “sinful woman” do that demonstrates real leadership humility?
• What were the disciples learning about leadership—Jesus-style?
• What does this passage teach us about love?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Perhaps Simon the Pharisee was one of the elders who came to Jesus in Luke 7 to ask for the centurion’s servant to be healed. Or maybe he had witnessed Jesus’ outburst in Jerusalem. Most likely, he was one of the Pharisees mentioned in Luke 5, given the similarity of their discussion. Remember the theme from back then?

The Pharisees had asked whether Jesus claimed to have the authority to forgive sins. Jesus responded, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins ... I tell you, get up ...” (Luke 5:24). That moment—and that miracle—seems to have lingered in Simon’s mind. Perhaps it prompted this dinner invitation.

And who, we might ask, told Luke this story? Who was the eyewitness? Could it have been one of the two people Jesus reaches in this encounter?

Whatever the backstory, Jesus accepts Simon’s invitation and the Father’s divine appointment. In doing so, he reaches out to a religious, self-righteous man and teaches a profound lesson on leadership. There were three customary acts of hospitality that this woman offers Jesus—each of which Simon neglects. They’re listed in Luke 7:44–46: a foot washing, a kiss, and an anointing. These were basic gestures of honour for any guest, especially one of significance. Simon omits them—so the Father sends a sinful woman to do what Simon would not. What a gift. All throughout Jesus’ life, the Father keeps sending him gifts—today, a beautiful one, wrapped in a broken and sinful package.

Jesus receives this gift with grace, as the woman humbles herself and lavishes him with tears and alabaster oil. Simon is unimpressed, so Jesus tells a short parable with a deep truth. Two people owe a debt they cannot repay. Sound familiar?

Jesus then poses a question, and Simon answers well: the one forgiven more will love more. The woman knew she was a sinner and came seeking mercy. Simon, by contrast, didn’t think he needed much forgiveness. He lived by the law and projected an image of righteousness. But the reality was that Simon, like the woman, was a sinner—he just didn’t realise it. His religious system had taught him how to mask his sin, to keep it hidden behind closed doors.

As a leader, resist that trap. Don’t hide your sin—confess it (James 5:16). Take seriously what Jesus is saying here: if you don’t believe you’ve been forgiven much, your love for him will always be lukewarm. Take an honest look at your heart. Even if you’ve never committed a visible or violent sin, your thought life may tell another story. Scripture reminds us that even our best works are like filthy rags in God’s sight.

So don’t pretend. Don’t perform. Die to self—and live to God.

Applying what you’ve read

When was the last time you anointed Jesus with a gift like this woman did? When did you last offer him a foot washing, a kiss, or an anointing?

Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink … Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?’ … The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:35–40).

So how do we wash Jesus’ feet, kiss him, or anoint him with oil?

Do it for one another. Go to one of your disciples today—wash their feet, give them a hug, anoint them with oil—and do it in Jesus’ name. When you do, you’ve done it to him. Go for it!