Jesus was invited to the home of one of the Pharisees for a meal. A woman came in while Jesus was sitting at the table. The woman began to wash the feet of Jesus with her tears and dry them with her hair. She was distraught and sought the help of Jesus. The Pharisee was not impressed with the way that Jesus handled this situation. He felt that if Jesus knew who she was and what she did that he would have nothing to do with her.

Jesus knew this and used it as an opportunity to teach. He asked the host a question. He talked of someone lending money to 2 different people. He decides to forgive the debt of both men. Jesus asked which one would appreciate it more. The Pharisee correctly answers the one who was forgiven more.

Jesus then shows the difference between the Pharisee and the woman. The Pharisee offered Jesus nothing for his feet. The woman washed the feet of Jesus with her own tears. The Pharisee offered no greeting for Jesus. The woman kissed the feet of Jesus continually. The way each responded to Jesus showed how they perceived him and their need for him. She saw a great need for him while the Pharisee saw little. Jesus forgave her and sent her away in peace.

There is a lesson here about how we see things. All the Pharisee saw was the woman and the things that she has done. She was forever labeled in his eyes and not worthy of his time. Jesus saw her faith and her sorrow for her past sin. It is important not to label others. It is important not to think of ourselves as better than others. We all sin and fall short. We all need Jesus to save us. We should look at each other the same and encourage each other to live for the Lord and do his will.