by There’s something special about sharing a meal together. As we begin 2025, I’ve been reflecting on how much of Jesus’ ministry revolved around the dinner table. His outreach to people often centered around meals and showing hospitality. In fact, research shows that sharing food together releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” that promotes social connection and cooperation. Perhaps that’s why church potlucks and small group dinners have always been such powerful tools for building community.
Jesus certainly understood the power of a shared meal. In Luke’s Gospel, we find Him frequently dining with all sorts of people – from close friends to strangers, from the respected to the rejected. When criticized for this practice, Jesus pointed out the irony of His critics: “John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners'” (Luke 7:33-34).
This brings us to a fascinating dinner party recorded in Luke 7:36-50. It’s really a tale of two sinners, though only one would admit it. The scene unfolds at the home of Simon, a Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dine with him. During the meal, an unexpected guest arrives – an unnamed woman known in the city as a sinner.
What happens next is both shocking and beautiful. The woman approaches Jesus as He reclines at the table. Standing behind Him, she begins weeping, letting her tears fall on His feet. She then wipes His feet with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with expensive perfume. Her actions recall King David’s uninhibited worship in 2 Samuel 6, where he danced before the Lord without concern for dignity or reputation.
Simon’s internal reaction reveals his heart: “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner!” (Luke 7:39). Interestingly, while the text labels her a “sinner,” it never specifies her sin. Yet throughout church history, many have assumed her sins were sexual in nature – a telling assumption that reveals our own biases.
Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, tells a story about two debtors: one owing 500 denarii and the other 50. When neither could pay, the creditor forgave both debts. “Which of them will love him more?” Jesus asks. Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven the larger debt would love more.
Then comes the devastating comparison. Jesus turns to the woman but addresses Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment” (Luke 7:44-46).
Simon’s sins become clear: judgmentalism, inhospitality, and pride. While he saw himself as superior, Jesus revealed that both he and the woman were debtors – the only difference was that she recognized her debt while he remained blind to his own.
The story ends with words of grace: “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:48,50). At Jesus’ table, everyone is welcome, because if sinners weren’t allowed, the table would be empty. Here we find both forgiveness and fresh starts – available to anyone willing to humble themselves and receive His grace.
As we gather around tables this year – whether at church potlucks, small groups, or family dinners – may we remember this story. May we be quick to show hospitality, slow to judge, and always mindful that we’re all sinners in need of grace, finding welcome at Jesus’ table.
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Daniel N. Lee 