The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton.
We continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women in ancient culture and how—even though we have made progress in our current time—we still have work to do. One of the questions Jesus asks the pharisee is: “Do you see this woman?” We all want to be seen and valued, no matter who we are. For anyone who has felt particularly devalued, this is especially important. Jesus’ advocacy is a reminder to see and honor and value those who are marginalized, even as we acknowledge the progress we’ve made.
Luke 7:36-50 (CEB)
36 One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. After he entered the Pharisee’s home, he took his place at the table. 37 Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. 38 Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw what was happening, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner.
40 Jesus replied, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Teacher, speak,” he said.
41 “A certain lender had two debtors. One owed enough money to pay five hundred people for a day’s work. The other owed enough money for fifty.42 When they couldn’t pay, the lender forgave the debts of them both. Which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the largest debt canceled.”
Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.”
44 Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your home, you didn’t give me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfumed oil on my feet. 47 This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other table guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this person that even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Consider these questions:
- What’s your understanding of how women have been treated in history?
- How has that changed in modern times?
- In your opinion, has enough changed?
- Consider this article alleging the poisoning of Iranian school girls, and this article about U.S. teen girls. Do you see any connection?
- Who are some of the women you’ve read about in Luke’s Gospel? Who are some women you’ve read about in other Bible passages? In what way are these women examples for all followers regardless of gender?