The event of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman is a profound moment in the New Testament, illustrating themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love and grace. This account is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 7:36-50.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in Capernaum, a significant location in Jesus' ministry. Capernaum, situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, served as a central hub for Jesus' teachings and miracles. It is here that Jesus is invited to dine at the house of Simon the Pharisee, a setting that underscores the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time.

The Anointing

During the meal, a woman known in the city as a sinner enters Simon's house. Her presence is unexpected and socially bold, given her reputation. She brings with her an alabaster jar of perfume, a costly and precious item, symbolizing her deep respect and reverence for Jesus.

As she stands behind Jesus at His feet, she begins to weep. Her tears fall on His feet, and she wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with the perfume. This act of devotion is both intimate and public, demonstrating her profound repentance and love for Jesus.

The Reaction of Simon the Pharisee

Simon, observing the woman's actions, internally questions Jesus' prophetic insight, thinking, "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" (Luke 7:39). Simon's reaction reveals his judgmental attitude and lack of understanding of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost.

Jesus' Response and Teaching

Perceiving Simon's thoughts, Jesus addresses him with a parable about two debtors, one who owed much and one who owed little. Both debts are forgiven by the moneylender, and Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the moneylender more. Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven more will love more.

Jesus then contrasts the woman's actions with Simon's lack of hospitality, highlighting her acts of love and repentance. He declares, "Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47).

Forgiveness and Salvation

Turning to the woman, Jesus affirms her forgiveness, saying, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48). This declaration astonishes the other guests, who question Jesus' authority to forgive sins. Jesus further assures the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).

Theological Significance

This narrative highlights several key theological themes:

1. Repentance and Forgiveness: The woman's actions demonstrate genuine repentance, and Jesus' response underscores the boundless nature of divine forgiveness.

2. Faith and Salvation: Jesus emphasizes that it is the woman's faith that has saved her, pointing to the essential role of faith in receiving God's grace.

3. Love and Gratitude: The story illustrates that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness will respond with profound love and gratitude toward God.

4. Challenge to Social Norms: Jesus' acceptance of the woman challenges societal and religious norms, emphasizing His mission to reach out to the marginalized and sinful.

In conclusion, the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman at Capernaum is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ's love and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the grace available to all who come to Jesus in faith and repentance, regardless of their past.Luke 7:36-50
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
Nave's Topical Index

Christ Refuses to Interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15 ...
... wonderful that a man who recognized in Jesus a teacher ... brother, who may have also
admitted Christ's authority ... account of the sinful woman who anointed the feet ...
/.../section 209 christ refuses to.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet ... Jesus attributed her
forgiveness to her faith ... to all.2. As sin is against Christ, to Christ belongs the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

The History of a Year.
... in Herod's prison, sent disciples to Jesus to inquire ... John himself as to direct his
disciples to Christ. ... house of a Pharisee, a sinful woman anointed his head ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the history of a year.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... we have the account of (a) John's imprisonment and of Christ's arrival in ... of Nain,
(b) of John's last message and (c) of Jesus anointed by the sinful woman. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... of John or to put their trust in Christ in response ... it is also alone in expressing
the sympathy which Jesus felt for the sinful woman who anointed his feet ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... of the little effect that his ministry had in Capernaum, Chorazin, and ... "Can a woman
forget her ... unto the Father's end in giving of his elect to Jesus Christ. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Preaching at Nazareth
... synagogue of Nazareth said, 'He hath anointed Me to ... had not been suspected until
Christ's presence roused ... at the demon's service, and only Jesus recognises who ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/preaching at nazareth.htm

part i
... within me; let my heart be anointed with the ... Only your own weak, sinful and darkened
heart can ... by its properties that greatest miracle of Jesus Christ, the Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus