16: Love matters more than piety (Luke 7:36 – 50)

In this episode, Jesus exposes the coldness of their hearts toward His gospel. Because they were preoccupied with their own righteousness, they had little experience of the grace of forgiveness. But the new wine—the gospel of Jesus—cannot be contained within mere religious observance. Loving Jesus matters more than keeping religious requirements. And recognizing the grace of forgiveness is the first step to truly knowing Him.

👉 Read Luke 7:36 - 50

Q1. Why did the woman in vv. 36–50 love Jesus more than Simon did?

Because she had been forgiven more sins. Her deep awareness of forgiveness produced greater love.

Q2. According to Jesus’ conversation with Simon, what attitude keeps us from realizing Jesus’ love? (vv. 37–39)

• A critical and condemning spirit toward others

• A heart of self-righteousness

These attitudes blind us to our own need for grace.

Q3. According to vv. 16, 39, and 49, who is Jesus?

• Greater than a prophet

• The One who forgives sins

• Therefore, God Himself

“Do you see this woman? I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss of greeting, but from the time I entered she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfumed oil”

Simon the Pharisee may have kept the law better than the woman. Yet her love for Jesus far surpassed Simon’s polite gesture of inviting Him to dinner. Love is rooted in obedience, but its fragrance is seen in voluntary sacrifice. While Simon offered formality, she offered her heart.

In the end, Jesus confirmed her salvation: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace (shalom).” Notice that her love for Jesus was counted as faith. 

Do you love Jesus your Lord?