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Mary Anoints Jesus
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feel different degrees of obligation, for each owed a debt of gratitude
that they could never repay. But Jesus wanted to show Simon that his
sin was as much greater than hers as a debt of five hundred denarii
exceeds a debt of fifty.
Simon now began to see himself in a new light. He saw how Je-
sus, who was more than a prophet, regarded Mary. Shame overcame
him, and he realized that he was in the presence of One superior to
himself.
“I entered your house,” Christ continued, “you gave Me no water
for My feet, [but with tears of repentance Mary has washed My feet
and wiped them with the hair of her head.] You gave Me no kiss,
but this woman, [whom you despise,] has not ceased to kiss My feet
since the time I came in.” Christ recounted the opportunities Simon
had had to show his appreciation for what his Lord had done for
him.
The Heart Searcher read the motive that led to Mary’s action; He
also saw the spirit that prompted Simon’s words. “Do you see this
woman?” He said to him. “I say to you, her sins, which are many,
are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the
same loves little.”
Simon had thought he honored Jesus by inviting Him to his
house. But now he saw himself as he really was. He saw that his
religion had been a robe of Pharisaism. He had despised the compas-
sion of Jesus. He had not recognized Him as God’s representative.
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Mary was a sinner pardoned; he was a sinner unpardoned.
How Simon’s Pride Was Humbled
Simon was touched by Jesus’ kindness in not openly rebuking
him in front of his guests. Jesus had not treated him as he desired
Mary to be treated. He saw that Jesus had tried by pitying kindness
to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened him
against repentance, but patient correction convinced him of his error.
He saw how large was the debt he owed his Lord. He repented, and
the proud Pharisee became a humble, self-sacrificing disciple.
Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped Mary’s life. He
could have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did
not. He had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had