In the House of Simon the Pharisee

 

Jesus and the Woman in the House of Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50)

(Not specifically mentioned elsewhere)

1. Cultural/Social, political and theological background

   1. Cultural and Political:see previous handouts

   2. Theological: Issue of Forgiveness (OT understanding: full compensation must be made)....

   3. Cultural/Social

      1. Hebrew culture full of various requirements, conditions, understanding and expectations

         1. Hair on head symbolized spiritual power

         2. Women obliged to cover/braid their hair in public (reason for divorce!)

         3. Husbands first saw their brides un-braided hair on their wedding night. Sexual overtones

         4. Touching, or even acknowledging taboo

      2. Hospitality (Question: nightly, where did Jesus and the apostles sleep? Who fed them?)

         1. Definition of Inn (three different words in Greek each meaning something different)

         2. Upon guest entering a house a guest would be greeted with a kiss then (if for a meal) would take a designated place around the tridinium. Only after their host or eldest man had “reclined” or taken their seat would a guest sit down. Oil and water would be provided to bathe and anoint the dirtiest part of the body (that which is furthest from the spiritual crown). Finally, if possible, perfume would be applied to feet. Only after everyone had been cleansed would grace be given and the meal started.

2. Overview and initial observations

   1. Ring composition with embedded rings: the action of woman, the parable, rebuke of Simon

   2. May have actually been written before the Gospel itself (given to Luke 56-58? AD)

   3. Important issues to address

      1. Why was Jesus invited to the Pharisee's house...

         1. Confrontational or Simon's desire to correct/instruct a young upstart?

         2. Curiosity to delve deeper into the upstart who declared Himself a prophet?

      2. The woman knew of Jesus and had already received forgiveness. Her acts were those of a grateful person. Forgiveness came before the acts of thanksgiving (salvation/acts)

      3. The woman was already at the house when Jesus arrived (vs. 45)

      4. Why was the woman allowed in? “At traditional Middle Eastern village meals, the outcasts of the community are not shut out. They sit quietly on the floor against the wall, and at the end of the meal they are fed. Their presence is a compliment to the host who is thereby seen as so noble that he even feeds the outcasts of the community. The Rabbis insisted that the doors be open when a meal was in progress lest you 'lack of food' (I.e lest you shut out the blessings of God)”

      5. The woman did not come to be saved/forgiven but to show gratitude

      6. Important connections:

         1. May be used to support Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15)

         2. See Hebrews 10:26-27

3. The encounter:

   1. (vs. 36) – Opening scene/Introduction

      1. No greeting provided (did Pharisee see Jesus as outcast unworthy of kissing?)

      2. “Took his place at the table” or sat at the table or “reclined” at the table.

      3. No reference to protocol. Reeks of humiliation

   2. (vs. 37-38) The embedded ring composition of woman's action

      1. Evidently, the woman already knew of Jesus and most likely had already been forgiven?

      2. What is the significance of the “alabaster jar of ointments/perfume” (also: came prepared)

      3. If she sat behind Jesus, it implies Jesus was reclining (to sit would imply teaching)

      4. Significance of hair: loose/un-braided. Symbolism of marriage.

      5. She could have used robe she was wearing (customarily very long and flowing) but didn't

      6. Cultural/Social taboo of woman's actions and what was expected from Jesus. His choices:

         1. Reject her – the only one who recognized his humiliation and his identity

         2. ** appologize for her behavior (most expected) and have her removed

         3. Defend her – which he does

   3. Jesus accepting the woman's actions/praise acknowledged and cofirmed her judgement of Him: He was/is the divine presence of God. His body was the temple. Jesus did not repremand her and tell her to take her thanksgiving to the Temple and offer a proper sacrifice.

   4. (vs. 39) Simon's reasoning reflects Pharisee's expectations of a prophet

   5. (vs. 40) Significance of phrase, “Simon, I have something to say to you” (Blunt speech)

   6. (vs. 41-42) – embedded Ring Composition of short parable

      1. Creditor is God and the two debtors are the woman and Simon

      2. Neither is able to repay the debt (Jewish concept of forgiveness)

      3. Both debtors forgiven (woman is forgiven, do not know about Pharisee)

      4. Debtors both respond with love... forgiven much, much love; forgiven little, little love

   7. (vs. 43) Judgement, and possible source of Nicolaitan Heresy

   8. (vs. 44-46) Jesus rebukes and humiliates Simon – turning the tables

      1. Straight line Hebrew parallelism, 6 lines

      2. Points out Simon's lack of customary hospitality (shaming him... very significant in culture)

      3. Comparison with woman's actions points out that she recognized the not-so-subtle humiliation and belittling of Christ and stepped in to correct (hence the tears on His behalf)

   9. (vs. 47) Creates questions and perhaps incorrect understanding

      1. Jesus' expression of love for woman was costly (Simon and others must have been enraged)

      2. Those for whom much is forgiven have much to be grateful for.

      3. To be forgiven, a transgression is to be confessed. This creates an awareness and should make us even more grateful for the forgiveness given to us, and in turn increase our love toward God.

      4. This does not mean, “sin more to receive more love(grace)”

      5. Remember, the womans actions were a result of her being forgiven, She was not forgiven because she washed Christ's feet.

   10. (vs. 48) Only God can forgive sins! An outragous act!

   11. (vs. 49) Simon and his guest choose unwisely

       1. Could have chosen to recognize Jesus' authority. Without saying anything woman was witness

       2. Instead, they shifted their displeasure from woman's sins and mistakes to what they perceived and Jesus' “mistakes” in not acting pr)operly (as a guest or prophet

       3. “Deny the message and attack the messenger”'

   12. (vs. 40) Clarification. The woman's salvation was through faith (before scene happened)

   13. Woman demonstrated Paul's concept: intellectual assent, daily walk of trust, obedience

4. Additional notes (probably will not have time to address):

   1. Woman demonstrated trust and a willingness to share Jesus' pain (humiliation)

   2. A selfless act of love and courage

   3. Story shows faith, obedience, courage, forgiveness, salvation and peace

   4. In this story, the woman is elevated and a niche is created within Jesus' followers

   5. there is a messianic agenda: share Christ's suffering and become like Him

   6. Actually two types of “sin” - debts and transgressions – are addressed.

5. Next “Special Topics” will delve into the parable of the widow and the judge (Luke 18:1-8)