The Actors
Simon, one of the Pharisees: owner of a house large enough to have a dinner guests recline at a table. It would not be much of a stretch that this Simon had wealth and position in the city. It may reasonable to assume that Simon was a better class of Pharisee who had a certain measure of respect for our Lord’s teaching, and was half-inclined to acknowledge Him as a prophet (Luke 7v39). It would be a stretch to think that this Simon is connected to any other Simon mentioned in the NT. Simon was a very common name in Palestine, and maybe Luke’s way of making the person common with those that share his same contempt for this peculiar authority being taught by Jesus. Simon, a Pharisee, would have been acutely aware of the customs and
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The text says that the woman is standing behind him while Jesus is reclined at the table. She cries because she feels ashamed for Jesus. She understands the effects of shaming. This is an honor shame culture. Shamed for your own and also others are bought into that same shame. She is going to provide the hospitality that the host did not extend to Jesus perhaps to shame him. Simon knows this woman is a sinner. By the time she arrives at the banquet, she is emotional. The ointment is to be used to reduce or diffuse the smells. The woman also knows Simon the Pharisee and those that see her only as a sinner. She also knows Jesus and has probably been a witness to His healings and listened to His teachings. Jesus has not been received with hospitality, but judgement for letting this sinful woman touch him(7v40). The text says Jesus turned to look at the woman but spoke to Simon. Jesus understood her selfless act to meet his need. She knows people are watching yet she does not let her shame deter her from ministering to Jesus. Her shame is overshadowed by the love and forgiveness of Jesus. She let down her hair and wiped his feet with her tears This is a dramatic