At a Pharisee’s dinner, Jesus tells a brief parable of two debtors to explain the woman’s actions. He concludes that the one forgiven much loves much, while the one forgiven little loves little. Jesus then tells the woman that her sins are forgiven and that her faith has saved her, sending her in peace (Luke 7:41–50).
In Luke 7:36–50, Jesus eats at a Pharisee’s house when a woman known publicly for her wrongdoing comes in and honors him with tears, kisses, and expensive ointment. The host silently doubts Jesus’ insight, so Jesus tells a short story about two forgiven debts to expose what is happening. This scene fits Luke’s pattern of table conversations revealing hidden attitudes and redefining who responds well to Jesus. Nearby episodes show mixed reactions to Jesus and disputes about his authority and the meaning of repentance and forgiveness (for example Luke.7.34).
This story presents Jesus as someone who knowingly receives a socially stigmatized woman’s public touch and honor at a Pharisee’s dinner (verses 36–38). The host, Simon, silently questions whether Jesus can really be a prophet if he allows this (verse 39).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Luke 7:41-50, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
41"A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42When they couldn`t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?"
43Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most." He said to him, "You have judged correctly."
44Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.
45You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet.
46You didn`t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
48He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."