J. The Sinful Woman (7:36-50)

Luke makes a strong contrast between a Pharisee and a woman who anointed Jesus' feet. The Pharisee was not utterly hostile to Jesus, since he had invited him to a meal. But he had failed to perform the courtesy of providing water to wash Jesus' feet. The woman, on the other hand, was overflowing with gratitude to him.

There is a contrast, too, between the Pharisee and Jesus. The Pharisee did not want to associate with the woman. But Jesus befriended her and accepted her gestures of gratitude. When he pronounced her forgiven, he was probably confirming the forgiveness that he had already granted her and which had evoked her adoration.