Notes on Luke 7:30-50

Luke 7:30

Those who had heard John preach and embraced his message agreed with Jesus's assessment (vv. 25-28). Moreover, they acknowledged the righteousness of God's declaration of their sinfulness and call for repentance.

Luke 7:31-34

this generation. Not every person, but the leadership that represented them (v. 30). children. Weddings of the day included joyous tunes and dancing. Funerals were known for the sounds of weeping and mournful dirges. Children would play games around what they saw in life. By analogy, the leadership saw the ministries of John and Jesus. The leadership despised John because he was too harsh with God's people. On the other hand, Jesus welcomed sinners and outsiders. Like disgruntled children, the leaders refused to join in and demand their own way (v. 32). They hated the preaching of the repentance and despised the joy of the gospel. They were hypocrites without true faith.

Luke 7:35

God's wisdom is personified as a woman (Prov. 8) who gives birth to children. These children prove wisdom is right in all she says and does because they are right in all they say or do (see Matt. 11:19). John and Jesus are the children of wisdom. Though criticized for their ministries, they showed the wisdom of God in the gospel.

Celebrating Sabbath with a Pharisee and a Sinner - Luke 7:36-50

A touching scene where a woman who was forgiven showed loving worship for Jesus. This event is similar to an encounter in John 12:1-8 (see Matt. 26:6-13 // Mark 14:3-9). However, these events are not the same. The locations (v. 1; John 12:1) and complaints against the women (v. 39; John 12:5) are different. Mary is explicitly named in the other account (John 12:3). Perhaps she heard of the woman Luke presented in this passage and later followed her example.

Luke 7:36

This was likely a banquet in Jesus's honor as a prophet, or a Sabbath meal offered as Jesus taught (see Mark 1:29-31). Such special meals were open for people to come and go, making it likely. reclined. Typical position for eating at the time. People gathered in circles around the food. They leaned on pillows with their feet tucked behind them or at their side.

Luke 7:37

woman. Apparently someone well-known as a sinner. Many suppose she was a prostitute (see Matt. 21:31-32). However, this is not clear from the text. perfumed oil. Typically used for anointing. The glass or stone jar preserved the expensive oil.

Luke 7:38

Given her devotion, it appears she had previously encountered Jesus and found forgiveness for her many sins (v. 47). She brought the perfume to anoint him in worship (Ps. 2:11-12). But the grace of forgiveness provided tears to first wash his feet. She is deeply thankful for the salvation Jesus brings (vv. 47-48). hair of her head. Women letting down their hair in public was considered improper and grounds for divorce. However, no indecency should be seen in woman's action. Instead, the depth of her worship led her to ignore societal convention (see 2 Sam. 6:14-16).

Luke 7:39

Simon misunderstood the woman's act of devotion. He only saw her sin and questioned Jesus's character for allowing it.

Luke 7:40-43

Jesus offered a short parable to highlight the contrast between Simon and the sinful woman.

Luke 7:41

five hundred denarii. A denarius was about a day's wage. Five hundred would be about two years' worth of wages. fifty denarii. About two months of wages.

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