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THE
GREATER-THAN-A-PROPHET MAN - this chapter’s units: the faith of the Roman officer,
the raising of the widow’s son and the questions of John the Baptist and Jesus’
answer, portray Jesus as one greater than a prophet. In this lesson the cycle reaches its
zenith-Jesus, the Pharisee, and the harlot. Both the Pharisee’s and the harlot’s
responses illustrate the contrasts of responses people have had to Jesus.
INSIGHT - When Simon the Pharisee reasons that if Jesus were a prophet he would know
the character of the woman who was touching him, Jesus’ response shows that he knows
both Simon’s thoughts and the character of the woman. His response, therefore,
confirms that he is a prophet; but when he forgives the woman’s sins, he is greater
than a prophet.
HOSPITALITY OF AN OUTSIDER - Two religious leaders are suddenly in the presence
of a sinful person. One stands transcendent, the other immanent. But, according to Fred
Craddock, that’s the irony. Even though Jesus is a guest in Simon’s home, it is
a sinner who takes the initiative and extends hospitality. She acts. She extends to Jesus
the very hospitality that Simon has withheld: water for the feet (tears), the kiss of
welcome, and the anointing for the one coming in from a journey. "The story screams
the need for a church, not just any church but one that says, "You are welcome
here."
 What was the risk that the woman took in coming to the home of Simon
the Pharisee? What might this indicate about her state of mind?
What is your impression of Simon?
Why doesn’t Jesus come out and expose Simon’s judgmental thoughts?
What is the role that hospitality plays in this story?
 We already have some fine homilies posted on this lesson; check them
out.
Brainstorming-you might retell the story and tell it to gain maximum listening and as
much overhearing of our story as possible.
Briefly retell this story and then hit the pause button and re-visit each of the three
characters-Simon / then the unnamed woman / finally, Jesus. At each pause, ask yourself
what you can learn from that character; then move to the next character.
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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible IX (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page
169.
[2] Fred Craddock, Interpretation Series: Luke (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1990), page 105.
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