A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus

(Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9, John 12:1–8)

36 Then one of the Pharisees invited [Jesus] to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house [and] reclined at the table. 37 When a sinful woman from [that] town learned that [Jesus] was dining [there], she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 [As] she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears and wipe [them] with her hair Then she kissed His feet and anointed [them] with the perfume.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited [Jesus] saw [this], he said to himself “If this [man] were a prophet, He would know who [this is] and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”

40 But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell [me], Teacher,” he said.

41 “Two [men] were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed [him] five hundred denarii,[fn] and the other fifty. 42 [When] they were unable to repay [him], he forgave both [of them]. Which [one], then, will love him more?”

43 “I suppose the [one who] was forgiven more,” Simon replied “You have judged correctly,” [Jesus] said

44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? [When] I entered your house, you did not give [Me] water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped [them] with her hair. 45 You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then [Jesus] said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 And [Jesus] told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”