7:44-46
We have already seen that when an honoured teacher was invited for dinner it something of an open-house, rather than a private dinner party. It was also the custom that water was provided for the guest so that he could wash his feet. Simon had neglected to do this. Jesus contrasts this with the woman. Similarly it was conventional to greet a guest with a kiss, but Simon had not down this either. One wonders why Simon had treated Jesus so shoddily.
7:47-50
The woman’s actions were the fruit of her being forgiven, not the reason for her being forgiven. The love for Jesus of the “unwashed” may offend religious sensibilities, but what Jesus is concerned with is what is in a person’s heart. Do they know their need for forgiveness, do they believe that Jesus will forgive them?
Jesus then declared openly to the woman “Your sins are forgiven”. Why did He do this? Partly perhaps to reassure the woman, also may be to make clear to the crowd the nature of His ministry. Jesus came to forgive sins. This caused consternation among the other guests. Jesus then told the woman that it was her faith that has saved her, so she could go in peace. If one tries to obtain salvation by works there are two inevitable consequences: (i) it won’t work, no one can cancel out their sins; (ii) there will never be any lasting peace. This is the exact opposite of the fruit of faith, which leads to both forgiveness and peace.
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