Luke 7:45

Luke 7:45 is a poignant moment in Jesus' interaction with Simon the Pharisee and a woman known as a sinner, highlighting a stark contrast in their attitudes towards Christ. This verse is part of Jesus' direct rebuke to Simon, who had inwardly judged Jesus for allowing the woman to touch Him.

Context of Luke 7:45

This verse is found within a larger narrative in Luke 7:36-50. Jesus had been invited to dine at the house of Simon, a leading Pharisee. During the meal, a woman, identified as a sinner in the city, entered and began to wash Jesus' feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, kiss them, and anoint them with costly perfume. Simon, observing this, questioned Jesus' prophetic discernment, reasoning that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know what kind of woman she was. In response, Jesus tells Simon the parable of the two debtors, illustrating that one who is forgiven much will love much. Luke 7:45 then directly compares Simon's lack of common hospitality with the woman's profound devotion.

Key Themes and Messages

• Hospitality and Custom: In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for a host to offer guests a kiss of greeting, water for feet washing, and oil for the head. Simon neglected these basic courtesies, indicating a certain coldness or lack of genuine welcome towards Jesus.
• Love Born of Forgiveness: The central message is that the woman's extravagant acts of devotion stemmed from her deep understanding and experience of forgiveness. Jesus contrasts this with Simon's presumed self-righteousness, implying Simon felt he had little to be forgiven for, and thus showed little love. This theme is powerfully summarized in Luke 7:47.
• Humility vs. Pride: The woman's actions demonstrate profound humility and brokenness, recognizing her sin and Jesus' authority to forgive. Simon, on the other hand, exhibits spiritual pride and judgmentalism, missing the opportunity for genuine fellowship and grace.
• True Devotion: The woman's continuous kissing of Jesus' feet (emphasized by the Greek verb kataphileō, implying repeated, fervent kissing) was a public and sacrificial act of worship, far exceeding mere social custom. It was a tangible expression of her heartfelt adoration and gratitude.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hath not ceased to kiss my feet" uses the Greek verb kataphileō (καταφιλέω). This is a stronger and more affectionate verb than the simple phileō (φιλέω) which would be used for a customary kiss. The prefix kata- intensifies the action, suggesting a repeated, fervent, and even lavish kissing. This linguistic nuance highlights the woman's overflowing devotion compared to Simon's complete absence of even basic hospitality, which would have involved a simple kiss (philema) on the cheek.

Practical Application

Luke 7:45 challenges believers today to examine the nature of their own devotion to Christ. Are our acts of service, worship, and obedience motivated by a deep appreciation for the forgiveness we have received, or are they merely routine, obligatory, or even self-serving? This verse reminds us that genuine love for God flows from a recognition of our sinfulness and His boundless grace. It also serves as a warning against spiritual pride and judging others, encouraging us instead to embrace humility and extend grace, just as Christ did to the woman. Our gratitude for salvation should inspire lavish devotion.