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.
Luke 7:44-46
Simon failed to act like a respectful host, not even offering to greet Jesus with a kiss (see Gen. 33:4; Exod. 18:7; 2 Sam. 15:5). Yet, this woman had no hesitation in acting as both hostess and servant for Jesus (see note on 3:16).
Luke 7:47
forgiven . . . she loved much. The woman was not forgiven
because she loved Jesus. Instead, she loved Jesus because she had
already been forgiven (vv. 41-43). We see this by the contrast at the end of the verse: the one who is
forgiven little, loves little. Jesus is clear that faith, not love brings salvation (v. 50).
Luke 7:48-49
sins are
forgiven. See note on 5:21.
Luke 7:50
faith. A key part of entering God's salvation (5:20; 7:9; 8:25, 48; 17:19; 18:42); the forgiveness she received motivated her to act.
saved you. Forgiveness of sins (v. 48) is connected to salvation in Luke's writings (Acts 3:19, 26; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 22:16; 26:18).
peace. The blessing experienced by all who trust Jesus to save them from their sins.
More Teaching and Miracles - Luke 8:1-56
Luke brings together several accounts to further reveal Jesus's identity. He teaches (v. 1, 4-18, 21), heals (vv. 2, 26-35, 43-48), calms storms (vv. 22-25), and raises the dead (vv. 49-56). Most importantly, he is the object of saving faith.
Luke 8:1
Summary statement about the nature and extent of Jesus's ministry (see 4:14-15; 4:34-44).
kingdom of God. Jesus preached about God's reign and how sinners could receive salvation, forgiveness, and peace with God (7:48-50; see note on 4:43).
The twelve. See notes on 6:13-16.
Luke 8:2-3
In addition to the twelve apostles (v. 1), several women travelled with Jesus as disciples. This was unusual in that time, but shows the basic equality of Jesus's disciples (Gal. 3:27-29).
Mary. A faithful follower of Jesus, even through his death (Matt. 27:55-56), burial (23:55), and resurrection (24:1-10). She was likely called
Magdalene because she was from the region of Magdala.
Joanna. A wealthy woman who received the gospel. She may have been the source of Luke's information about Herod (see note on 3:1). Her inclusion also showed the extent of Jesus's ministry.
Susana. Her only appearance in the Bible. provided. Jesus was poor. Some wealthy women financially supported him and his disciples during their time of travelling and teaching (see 10:7; Matt. 10:10; 1 Cor. 9:14; Gal. 6:6).
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