36 One of the Pharisees invited him to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee's house and took his place at table,
37 suddenly a woman came
in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the
Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar
of ointment.
38 She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears
fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his
feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to
himself, 'If this man were
a prophet, he would know who this woman is
and what sort of person it
is who is touching him and what a bad name she has.'
40 Then Jesus took
him up and said, 'Simon, I have something to say to you.' He replied, 'Say on,
Master.'
41 'There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt;
one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty.
42 They were unable to pay, so he let them both off. Which of
them will love
him more?'
43 Simon answered, 'The one who was let off more, I suppose.' Jesus said, 'You are
right.'
44 Then he turned to the woman and
said to Simon, 'You see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no
water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them
away with her hair.
45 You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet
with kisses ever since I came in.
46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed
my feet with ointment.
47 For this reason I
tell you that her sins, many as they are, have been forgiven her, because she
has shown such great love. It is someone who is forgiven little who shows
little love.'
48 Then he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'
49 Those who were with him at table began to say to
themselves, 'Who is this man, that even forgives sins?'
50 But he said to the woman, 'Your faith has
saved you; go in peace.'
