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Dec 30, 2025 18:00pm

Walking Through Luke: Forgiveness and Foot Washing

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Have you ever been invited to a fancy dinner?

We see it on TV all the time. Rich people host galas and banquets and invite all their rich friends—and anyone famous they think might show up. They might not even like the people they’re inviting, and their guests might not even like them, but these parties are status symbols more than anything else. Because it’s all about popularity, people go even if they can’t stand the host.

I’ve never been to a rich person’s party, but I’ve been to a few dinner events that might be considered upscale. When my family and I went on a cruise to Alaska in August 2013, there was a “captain’s dinner.” Attendees were expected to dress formally and have dinner with the captain. They served the finest food on the ship and used thick, white cloth tablecloths—not the plastic ones you get from Walmart. During the captain’s dinner, I accidentally knocked over my glass of Coca-Cola and spilled it all over the fancy white tablecloth, looking like the awkward, small-town boy I was at the time.

That wasn’t the fanciest dinner I’ve ever been to, though. Ironically, my fanciest dinner was actually a luncheon. And it wasn’t because I was rich, popular, or famous—it was simply because of a group I was part of in college. During my junior year, I was a member of the President’s Leadership Council. This council consisted of twelve students whom the college president and vice president identified as potential leaders. We met once a month for breakfast and instruction on how to be effective leaders. The breakfast was delicious, and the friendships were meaningful, but there was one downside—we had to be on campus by 6:30 a.m. so we could finish before classes began.

Toward the end of the semester, the president, vice presidents, and college administration staff treated us to a special luncheon. This wasn’t just any lunch—we were invited to dine at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. My fellow PLC members and I dressed formally, as was appropriate for the company we would be keeping, and enjoyed a formal luncheon with the governor and his wife.

It was interesting, but honestly, a bit intimidating. I’m a simple person by nature, and being in such an elegant location surrounded by important people felt strange. Still, it was enjoyable, and it helped that I was with friends who were just regular people like me. In the end, we had a good time, and the food was excellent. The governor greeted us but had to leave before the food was served. Even so, it was a memorable experience.

In Luke 7:36–50, Jesus was invited to dinner by a religious leader—a Pharisee named Simon. Most Pharisees were very wealthy and carried the privileges of high social status. Many of them did not like Jesus at all. We don’t know exactly why Simon invited Jesus to dinner. Perhaps he was looking for an opportunity to trap Him. Or maybe, because of Jesus’ growing fame, Simon saw having Him at his table as a status symbol.

Whatever his motive, Jesus went to Simon’s house—but the evening unfolded far differently than expected. As Jesus and Simon were eating, a woman entered the room. She began weeping over Jesus’ feet and anointing them with ointment. She is described as a sinner, and the implication is that her sinful reputation was widely known, likely indicating that she was a prostitute. Her tears revealed genuine repentance and deep sorrow over her sin. Simon, however, was offended that Jesus allowed such a woman to touch Him.

Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, asked who would be more grateful: a person forgiven a massive debt or one forgiven a smaller one. Simon answered correctly that the one forgiven more would be more grateful. Jesus affirmed his response and exposed the deeper issue.

Simon had failed to extend basic hospitality—no kiss of greeting, no oil, no water for Jesus’ feet. In that culture, these omissions were deeply insulting. Whether intentional or careless, Simon dishonored Jesus. Meanwhile, the sinful woman honored Him with humility, love, and devotion.

Jesus explained that this contrast revealed a heart issue. The woman recognized her sin and Jesus’ holiness, and her actions flowed from faith. She was not saved by what she did, but by her faith in Him. Simon, blind to his own sin, showed no reverence because he lacked faith.

Each of us fits into this story—either as Simon or as the woman. Do you recognize the magnitude of what Jesus has done for you? Jesus, perfectly holy and righteous, died in your place. Your debt was immense, yet He paid it fully before you were born. Faith is all that is required to receive that forgiveness, and gratitude naturally follows.

Finally, consider how you respond to sinners. Do you extend compassion, or judgment? The same grace that saved you is available to them. Our role is not to condemn, but to love. Let us follow Jesus’ example, welcoming all into His presence with kindness and grace.