The Pharisee's Criticism of Jesus - Luke 7:39

Luke the beloved physician wrote about Jesus, “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment”, and in chapter seven and verse thirty-nine of his book Luke shared what the, “Pharisees which had bidden him saw it” did where we read:

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner.

The verse reads, “Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, ...” Luke began with the words, “now when” or “moreover and at the time and moment” “the Pharisee” which means “the man who invited Jesus to eat with him in his home who was a member of a sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life” “which had bidden him saw it” or “who asked Jesus to come to his home and dine observed, notice and perceived that the woman was washing Jesus' feet with her tears and hair and anointing them with oil”, “he spoke within himself” which means “the Pharisee began to talk to himself or say under his breath” the following words. Luke shared how the Pharisee who invited Jesus to eat with Him noticed the woman washing Jesus' feet with her tears and hair and anointing them with oil, so he began to talk to himself under his breath.

The verse continues, “... This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner.” Luke added the words, “this man” which means “this particular male human being who was Jesus”, “if he were a prophet” or “whether Jesus was one who was moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman and who solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”, “would have known who and what manner of woman” which means “would have understood, perceived and been aware of who and what sort of female human being” “this is that touches him” or “the woman exists as who fastens herself, clings to and adheres to Jesus”: “for she is a sinner” which means “because, since and on account that the woman who washed Jesus' feet was an especially wicked, heathen and sinful”. Luke shared how the Pharisee concluded that if Jesus was a “true prophet” of God, He would have “understood” what kind of “woman” this was who “washed and anointed” His feet.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we see how this Pharisee became an immediate judge not only of the woman, but also of Jesus. Simon the Pharisee would not associate with such a “sinful” woman, and because Jesus was allowing her to “wash His feet with her tears and hair” and “anoint” them with oil, He obviously was not a “prophet”. Too often people make judgments about Jesus before they get to know Him. They make rash conclusions based upon their perceptions and traditions for who Jesus should be. Jesus Christ came to demonstrate what God is like, and He was receptive to everyone who would humble themselves before Him like this woman. To gain entrance into the Kingdom of God, a person must put aside all preconceived ideas concerning Jesus Christ, and simply come to Him in humble faith that He is who He says He is and is willing to “forgive” them of their sinful ways and grant them “everlasting life” with God.

Next time Luke shares how, “Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto you” did, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".