Luke 7:45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord perceives in Simon a man filled with arrogance and folly: arrogant for judging another human being for their transgressions; and foolish for failing to recognize that the woman who expressed deep faith and love should have been embraced rather than cast aside. Therefore, the Lord admonishes him for unjustly condemning his wife, who has demonstrated devotion far beyond what he himself has offered, and has even achieved acts that far surpass his own minimal contributions. For instance, you did not offer water for her feet, a simple courtesy, yet she bathed them with her tears; you did not anoint my head with water, while she honored my feet with her tears; you did not anoint me with oil, yet she lavishly poured myrrh upon me.

The Lord, understanding the inner thoughts of the Pharisee, shared a parable: ‘A creditor had two borrowers: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty; but since they had nothing to repay, he graciously forgave them both. Which of them will show him greater love?’ (See Luke 7:41-42). Simon the Pharisee responded to Jesus, ‘I suppose it is the one who had the larger debt forgiven.’ Jesus then addressed the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you observe this woman? I entered your home, and you did not provide water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You did not welcome me with a kiss, yet she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with fragrant oil.

O deceived Pharisee, who insulted our Healer, what kind of healer denies the suffering access to His aid? Why did the broken-hearted approach Him, who offered restoration through her tears? He who descended to heal the afflicted declared: If anyone is thirsty, let them come and drink (Jn 7:37). When the Pharisees, the associates of that Pharisee, grumbled about the restoration of sinners, the Healer reminded them of His mission, stating that His door is open to the ill, not to the well: It is not the healthy who need a healer, but the sick (Lk 5:31). The healing of the ailing highlights the glory of the Healer. The Lord acted in this manner to amplify the shame of the Pharisee who belittled the Healer's glory.

12 Behold, a woman from that town, known for her sinful ways (Luke 7:37). This account perplexes many, leading them to wonder whether the two evangelists are at odds doctrinally, or if they respectively highlight different aspects of the sacramental significance with varied expressions. In Matthew's account, it states: When Jesus arrived in Bethany at Simon the leper's home, a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar of costly perfume and anointed His head as He reclined (Matthew 26:6-7). In contrast, Luke describes the perception of the tax collector who thinks to himself: If He were truly a prophet, He would discern that this woman is a sinner (Luke 7:39) and should have kept away from her offering; meanwhile, Matthew notes that the disciples lament the perceived waste of the perfume. Both points require clarification, but we should first interpret what is found earlier in Scripture.

13 Christ visited Simon the leper's house, demonstrating His willingness to connect with the unclean and seeking to eliminate the corruption of the human condition. Simon's house, located in Bethany, translates to “house of obedience.” Thus, every location can be seen as a Bethany, with Simon's residence included. Isn’t it apparent that Bethany symbolizes the world, where we must demonstrate obedience through service, while Simon's home represents a part of that world? Simon the leper is a figure representing the ruler of this world. Jesus Christ descends from heavenly realms into this earthly domain. He was not of this world, yet through His obedience to the Father, He was sent here, as He proclaimed: As the Father hath sent me into this world (John 6:57). When this woman learned of Christ's arrival, she went into Simon's house because she knew healing was only possible through His presence. It could be understood that upon entering Simon's dwelling, she embodies a higher image—the soul or Church that comes to earth to gather people with its fragrance (2 Cor. 2:14-15).

14 Matthew emphasizes this woman anointing Jesus' head, perhaps without intending to label her a sinner, while Luke notes that a sinner anointed His feet (Luke 7:37). It is possible these accounts refer to different individuals, hence the evangelists are not in contradiction. This distinction can be clarified through the differing significance of the events and their timing: first, she is a sinner, yet later evolves toward spiritual perfection. The Church or soul retains its identity while progressing in holiness. Understand that a soul steadfast in its purity that approaches God earnestly (Isaiah 58:2; James 4:8) and serves His Word without disgraceful sin but in holiness ascends to Christ's head, and Christ is the head of God (1 Corinthians 11:3). Such a soul emanates the fragrance of its virtues. We represent Christ’s fragrance to God (2 Cor. 2:15), and the virtuous lives of the righteous magnify God.

15 Through this understanding, it becomes evident that this woman will be rightly honored and termed blessed wherever the gospel is shared (Matt. 26:13), and her legacy shall endure, for she poured the precious oil of good character and righteous actions upon Christ’s head. One who draws close to the head cannot elevate themselves while disdainfully mocking with a secular mindset, neglecting to hold fast to the head (Col. 2:18-19). But if one cannot secure a firm grip on Christ’s head, let them at least cling to His feet, as the entire body, united and strengthened, flourishes in divine growth (Col. 2:19).

16 The second woman differs from the first; she may be an entirely distinct individual or might have transformed herself, yet she resembles us, for we have not fully cast aside our sins. Where are our tears, our cries, and our lamentations? Let us come, worship, and bow before the Lord our Maker (Psalm 94:6), seeking to approach at least the feet of Jesus! Nonetheless, we may find ourselves unable to do so, with the sinner at His feet and the righteous at His head.

17 Nevertheless, the sinner possessed incense. You must demonstrate repentance following transgressions! When you witness the Righteous entering into the abode of the unworthy or the house of the Pharisee, strive not merely to admire the host's hospitality but endeavor to secure the Kingdom of Heaven, for since the days of John the Baptist, it has been taken by force, and those who strive hold onto it (Matthew 11:12). Wherever the name of Christ is mentioned, hasten to Him! When you see Christ entering your inner dwelling, rush toward Him. When you discover Wisdom and Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30) resting within your abode, then seek at least the edges of Wisdom! Do not hesitate to approach the feet; for one woman was healed merely by touching the fringe of His garment (Lk. 8:44). Confess your sins through tears, allowing heavenly Righteousness to respond to you:

18 This woman wet my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair (Lk. 7:44). Christ may not have washed His feet to prompt us to cleanse them with our tears. The tears that cleanse our misdeeds also nourish the feet of the Divine Word, leading to fruitful living within us. Beautiful are the tears that not only atone for sins but provide sustenance for the righteous, as the righteous declare: My tears have become my bread (Psalm 41:4).

19 If you cannot approach Christ's head, let Him touch your head with His feet. The hem of His garment brings healing, and His feet possess this power too. Let your hair, your whole being, be laid before Him. Precious is the hair that can wipe Christ's feet. The one who retained strength through his hair is a witness to this (Judges 16:17-19). It is inappropriate for a woman who has shorn her hair to pray (1 Cor. 11:5-6); she ought to have hair with which to wrap around Christ's feet. With her beauty and dignity, let her brush His feet, allowing her hair to be nurtured by the dew of divine strength, sealing her kisses on the feet of Righteousness.

20 A woman possesses much merit when Wisdom attests, Since I arrived, she has not ceased to kiss My feet (Luke 7:45). She can only speak of wisdom, love righteousness, embrace purity, and show chastity through her actions, since a kiss indicates mutual love and commitment.

21 Blessed is the one who can anoint the feet of Christ with oil! Simon neglected to do so; blessed is the woman who brought the fragrant ointment: the beauty of multiple flowers merges into various delightful scents. Only the Church, gathering countless fragrant blossoms, is capable of presenting such ointment. It is significant that she assumed the form of a sinner, as Christ also took on the likeness of a sinner (Phil. 2:7).

22 Consequently, no one can love as profoundly as the Church, which embodies the love of many, including Peter, who professed to Christ: Lord, You know I love You (Jn. 21:15)—he who was distressed by being asked: Do You love Me? (Jn. 21:17). He wished to avoid being questioned as if he were not known for what was evident. Thus, Peter did not possess a greater love merely because in him, the Church loved, nor did Paul love more either, as he too was part of it. You demonstrate love for the Lord above all else when you extend forgiveness for numerous sins. Paul, who once was a persecutor (1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:13), loved profoundly, displaying steadfastness unto martyrdom. His many sins were forgiven owing to his great love, and he shed his own blood for God’s name.

27 Let us turn back to the earlier woman, the significance of whose actions the apostles have yet to grasp, for it remains hidden from the ages in God; who has comprehended the mind of the Lord? (Is. 40:13; Rom. 11:34). The disciples grumbled that this woman had anointed His head, murmuring, “What a waste! This oil could have been sold for a high price and the proceeds given to the poor” (Matt. 26:8-9, cf. Mk. 14:4-5). Discovering what is reproachable in their remarks can be elusive until one comprehends their underlying meaning. Such thoughts are symptomatic of one indulging in luxury, or perhaps more accurately, of one who fails to grasp the nature of true manhood. Furthermore, those who are filled with peace generally carry this essence rather than wastefully pouring it.

Why is it that their words merit censure? Would it be possible to sell this ointment for a higher price and bestow it upon the needy? The Lord had previously stated: Whatever you do for one of these least of Mine, you do for Me (Matthew 25:40); He Himself sacrificed His life for the poor.

28 This is not merely symbolic, and therefore the Word of God responds: Why do you trouble the woman?... You will always have the needy among you, but Me you do not always have (Matthew 26:10, 11). The poor are consistently with you—help them! Since they are always in your midst, do not hesitate in your giving. The prophet urged: Do not say to the needy, I will give to you tomorrow (Proverbs 3:28). The prophet spoke only of mercy, though the Lord emphasized faith as paramount, for mercy holds value only when preceded by faith. By pouring this ointment upon My body, she has prepared Me for burial (Matthew 26:12). Hence, the Lord cherished not the oil but the love offered, embraced faith, and lauded humility.

29 If you desire mercy, then let love abound; pour, upon the body of Christ, your faith in the resurrection, the oil of the Church, the fragrance of collective love. By excelling in these virtues, you shall also give to the needy. Monetary gifts are of greater worth when not bestowed from excess, but shared for good under Christ's name, treating all contributions to the poor as offerings unto Christ. Therefore, do not interpret the ointment poured on the head in a strictly literal sense—for the letter kills (2 Corinthians 3:6)—but understand it in spirit, for that spirit is life.

30 What kind of ointment did this woman possess? Who can grasp its significance? Only those whose discernment can hear from Jesus the Word received from the Father, for He is that Word, can penetrate this profound mystery. Even the disciples comprehend only in part, unable to understand entirely. This is why some believe the disciples considered purchasing Gentile faith for mere incense, which is something that should only be obtained through the price of the Lord's blood—and this is a rightful interpretation. The Evangelist John quotes Judas Iscariot, valuing the ointment at three hundred denarii: We could have sold this oil for three hundred denarii and given it to the poor (John 12:5; Mark 14:5). The mention of three hundred coins signifies the cross, as the Greek letter T symbolizes 300 (an early interpretation from the ‘Epistle of Barnabas’); yet the Lord yearns for a deeper foreshadowing of the mystery; He wishes that the faith of believers be buried with Him.

31 Thus we perceive the implications behind the words of the other apostles. Yet Judas is condemned for his avarice, as he valued money more than the burial of his Lord. Even if he was aware of his Lord's suffering, he erred in estimating such a high price. Christ desired to be sold for a modest amount so that all could redeem Him, ensuring that the needy were not sidelined. He proclaimed, Freely you have received, freely give (Matt. 10:8). He is indeed the depth of riches (Rom. 11: 33; 1 Pet. 1:19). It is not material wealth He seeks but genuine gratitude. He has redeemed us with His precious blood, not sold us. We could expound further on this, but we shall refrain, remembering our previous discussions.

32 According to what the Lord said, in whom hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside (Col. 2:3), treasures that no mortal has known previously, it is reasonable for me to labor in His burial, believing that His flesh rested without experiencing decay, and that the death of His body suffuses our dwelling with fragrance, reminding us that He entrusted His spirit into the Father’s hands (cf. Ps. 15:10; Lk. 23:46; Ps. 30:6); the divine essence, untainted by death, did not suffer in tandem with the body.

While you may have taken the simpler path, she has chosen the more challenging one. Notice that what once led her towards ruin has now directed her toward redemption. Through her affectionate kisses, ornate hairstyles, and fragrances, she enticed those who lived freely; what had previously served as tools for wrongdoing, she has now transformed into means of deliverance.

You have not offered Me a spoon. Oh, if only Judas had not betrayed Me with one, but from this moment on, as I entered, I did not stop honoring My feet with kisses. Let us speak of the fallen woman and the Pharisee.

In a profound and enigmatic way, the sponge symbolizes love. The unfaithful people did not offer the sponge to God, as their service was motivated by fear rather than genuine love for Him. In contrast, the Gentiles, who have been called, continually express their devotion to their Redeemer, as their hearts are full of love for Him. This is reflected in the words of the bride proclaiming her longing for the beloved Redeemer, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” (Song of Songs 1:1). She rightfully yearns for nourishment from her Creator, preparing to follow Him with a heart full of love.

When the astute Pharisee heard this, he replied, “Teacher, it is well understood by all that the one who has been forgiven a larger debt is loved more.” The Lord responded, “You have spoken rightly, Simon; indeed, as you observe. For the one whom you did not truly anoint, she anointed with fragrant oil; the one whom you did not provide water for, she washed with her tears; you did not offer me a kiss, yet she, kissing my feet, cries out to me, ‘I have embraced your feet—deliver me from the impurities of my deeds.’”

While the Pharisee dismissed Jesus as merely a teacher, the Lord addressed him directly, demonstrating that every heart, including the Pharisee’s, is laid bare before Him. He had already discerned the true feelings of both the repentant sinner and the 'righteous man,' finding favor with the penitent. Through the parable of the two debtors, one owing 500 denarii and the other 50, He illustrated the principles guiding His actions. All stand as sinners before Him; each is a debtor in some measure—one may recognize their sinfulness more acutely than the other. The Lord's redeeming love leans towards those who deeply acknowledge their transgressions.

Around the same time that the Baptist sent his message to Christ, a Pharisee named Simon hosted a dinner and invited the Lord. Jesus accepted the invitation and reclined at the table. This gathering was open, allowing spectators to be present in addition to the invited guests. Because of the Lord’s presence, many people came to hear His teachings and seek healing, and a considerable number wished to attend the supper. Among them was a woman known as a sinner. Overwhelmed by deep and fervent repentance for her transgressions, she entered with the intention of pleading for the Lord’s forgiveness, weeping as she approached Him. She stood behind Jesus, weeping, and began to wet His feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with fragrant oil.

"‘You have judged correctly,’ Christ replied to him and then drew a moral lesson from this brief parable, which was both gentle and profound, presented in the poetic and elevated style that the Savior frequently employed in His teachings. It resonated with the audience like the verses of the prophets. While Simon appeared oblivious to the implications of this discourse, the repentant woman, with the heightened sensitivity that comes from a contrite heart, likely grasped its significance. What overwhelming emotion must have washed over her as Christ, who had up to that point seemingly ignored her, turned to her and called the attention of everyone present to her timid figure on the ground, her face veiled by her hands and long hair.

You have not granted Me a kiss: the act of kissing the lips symbolizes a mutual bond and love, as seen in various scriptures (cf. Gen. 33:4, Ex. 18:7, Matt. 26:49). Simon offered no such demonstration of affection, while the woman frequently kissed His feet. While Simon would occasionally lick his lips out of habit, the woman continuously honored Him with her kiss upon His feet. How much greater is the virtue of her actions compared to yours, especially since you did not even bestow upon Me a kiss?

Simon, whose heart was clouded by the biases of his religious beliefs, began to doubt and waver in his faith. The Pharisee mused, "If he were indeed a prophet, he would recognize what sort of woman is touching him, for she is a sinner." As Simon entertained these thoughts, the Lord directed His words to him, making it clear that the hidden intentions of the Pharisee were known to Him, and that He recognized the heartfelt contrition of the sinner. The One who knows all hearts was making Simon aware that his own judgment would ultimately lead him to condemn himself for doubting the One who understands both the hidden and the visible. The Good Shepherd, captivated by love for a single lost sheep, sought not to let another be lost.