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Luke 7:36 - 8:3
With thanks to page sponsor 2016:
Jess Scholten, Interim Pastor,
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison, Wisconsin

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV. Chapter 8.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries. Chapter 8
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons. Chapter 8
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative texts about Pharisees & Sadducees from Josephus, Tosefta, Mishnah & Babylonian Talmud. At (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • Chapter II, The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Polycarp of Smyrna (c 115).
  • XIV.45-48; XV.1-11; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • III.XXIV.3, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • 2.8, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • "On the Sinful Woman who Anointed Christ's Feet," by Ephraim of Syria (4th century).
  • Chapter XIV, Historia Calamitatusm: The Story of My Misfortunes, Pierre Abélard / Peter Abelard, c. 1140.
  • From the Geneva Notes. Chapter 8
    • "Proud men deprive themselves of the benefits of the presence of Christ, even when he is at home with them in their houses; and these benefits the humble and base enjoy."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "None can truly perceive how precious Christ is, and the glory of the gospel, except the broken-hearted."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "Let the candour with which our Lord accepted this invitation, and his gentleness and prudence at this ensnaring entertainment, teach us to mingle the wisdom of the serpent, with the innocence and sweetness of the dove. Let us neither absolutely refuse all favours, nor resent all neglects, from those whose friendship is at best very doubtful, and their intimacy by no means safe."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "This wonderful scene teaches two very weighty truths: (1) Though there be degrees of guilt, insolvency, or inability to wipe out the dishonor done to God, is common to all sinners. (2) As Christ is the Great Creditor to whom all debt, whether great or small, contracted by sinners is owing, so to Him belongs the prerogative of forgiving it. This latter truth is brought out in the structure and application of the present parable as it is nowhere else. Either then Jesus was a blaspheming deceiver, or He is God manifest in the flesh."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891. Chapter 8
    • "All her tokens of penitence and affection could not, even in the eyes of sinful men, wash away the stain of her life, but the grace of Christ led her to true peace, as her abiding condition."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Luke 7:36-8:3, Lucy Lind Hogan, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2016.
    • "Imagine if you had invited guests to your home for dinner and suddenly someone entered your dining room uninvited and unexpected."
  • "What the Body Knows," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • "It's All About Forgiveness," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2016.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • The Truett Pulpit, Stacey Simpson Duke, Co-Pastor, First Baptist Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2016.
  • "The Healing of Smelly Feet," Andrew Prior, 2016.
    • "The hospitality of my Hazara neighbours has increased my appreciation of this reading."
  • The Woman Who Anointed Jesus at Simon's House, Roberta Damon. (.pdf file)
  • Pulpit Fiction, with podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 7:36-8:3 | Michael Palmer | Lead Pastor, Living Vine Church of the Nazarene, Napa, California. | A Plain Account, 2016
    • "This may be one of the most well known stories in the gospels. However, in this familiarity, we can often overlook the deep and poetic beauty contained within. Let's take a look together."
  • Lecctionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2016.
  • "Your Faith Has Saved You," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
    • "So, every once in awhile, someone like the woman of Luke 7:36-50 comes along and says no…and yes. "
  • "Ordination for the Woman on the Floor," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2016.
  • "Pharisees and Sinners, Each and All," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer.
    • "We all practice our faith from a variety of mixed motives. While we tend to identify with the "sinners" in the Gospel stories, if we're honest with ourselves we have to admit that we all have some of the "Pharisee" in us as well."
  • "What We Owe," Ragan Sutterfield, 2016.
  • "What Lies Within: Breaking the Alabaster Jar," Anna Shirey, The Labyrinth Way, 2016.
    • "So breaking the jar, destroying what is familiar and known to us and allowing the mystery to emerge, takes a certain spirit of courage and faith."
  • "More Than Sandwiches," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2016.
  • "Nothing Left to Lose: The Woman with the Alabaster Jar and a High School Graduate," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • "Two Debtors," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
    • "The gospel lesson for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 7:36-8:3, gives us a 'mouse-in-the-corner' view of Jesus dealing with two people - one, Simon, a Pharisee, and the other, an unnamed woman 'who was a sinner'.<
  • Commentary, Luke 7:36-8:3, Jeannine K. Brown, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2013.
    • "Luke 7:36-8:3 provides an opportunity to preach about some of the courageous women who come to Jesus in faith to follow and serve him. For Luke, they provide paradigms for ways his own audience should respond to Jesus."
  • "Forgiveness and Gratitude," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "But is forgiveness really everything? Can it possibly be worth that much? Consider: forgiveness at heart is the restoration of relationship. It is releasing any claim on someone else for some past injury or offense. That's why the analogy to a debt works so well. Forgiveness cancels relational debt and opens up the future. Which is why it's so important, so valuable."
  • "Mary Magdalene," Frederick Buechner, Peculiar Treasures.
  • "Do You See This Woman?" D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
    • "This dialogue reminds me of the encounter between Nathan and David, when David can see plain enough in Nathan's story that the rich man is guilty of transgressing the poor man, but does not see his own guilt in raping Bathsheba and killing her Uriah. Here, Simon can see which debt-relieved person would love more, but cannot see how more sin-forgiveness would makes the woman's love greater."
  • A Piece of Jesus' Mind, Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "At the end of Jesus' parable about forgiveness his dinner guests ask each other, "Who is this who even forgives sin?" Are they being sarcastic, or are they filled with a little bit of reluctant awe?"
  • "Sinners Needed," Michael Danner, The Hardest Question, 2013.
    • "Please apply to your nearest Pharisee."
  • Alabaster Jars of Joy, Rick Morley, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Pentecost +4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • Jesus and the Prostitute, Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2013.
  • Death and New Life, Rick Fry, 2013.
  • Celebrating the Discipleship of Leaders (at the end of the school year), Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2013.
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 7:36-8:3, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "Just as the host is thinking to himself, 'Doesn't Jesus know what sort of person this woman is?' Jesus tells a story to make plain that he does indeed know what sort of woman she is, and more than that, knows what sort of person his host is as well. Ouch."
  • "It's Raining Tears," Neil Chappell, a weird thing, 2013.
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • A 'Sinful' Woman Forgiven, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
  • Commentary, Luke 7:36-8:3, Sarah Henrich, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
    • "How like us these characters are, in having encountered Jesus, yet needing to ponder and live from such an encounter in the uncharted waters of an unknown future."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 4, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Unaccompanied women bearing such oils usually belonged to the ?sinners?. They were, like the toll collectors, disreputable, living at the margins and surviving, perhaps to a minor degree prospering, through their services - at least, enough to lay their hands on expensive perfume."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "There are similarities among the women in our text: there are costly actions in both stories; all (or most?) have been healed/forgiven of diseases/demons/sins. There are also some possible contrasts between the women in these two stories."
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "The woman's intrusion provokes a religious and social crisis.  She has just barged into the home of a pharisee, yet that pharisee will consider her impure and unclean.  In her line of work, she has no doubt consorted with gentiles.  Her presence contaminates the gathering."
  • Commentary, Luke 7:36-50; 8:1-3, Emerson Powery, The African American Lectionary, 2008.
    • "The Savior saw the power and place of women so long ago. Thank goodness, we can use his foresight as an example to increase our insight."
  • "Anointing of Jesus' Feet with Oil," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "...there is a connection when you realize your many sins have been forgiven and great compassion."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 7:36 - 8:3, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "Simon might be said to have judged rightly in absolute terms, but in relative terms he might also be said to have judged less than rightly - without relationship, mercy, or compassion."
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Faith Saves," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "Should I Touch Him? Reflections on Mark 6:25-34; Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 7:42b-48" by William R.G. Loader, Murdoch University, Australia.
  • "Anointing of Jesus," "Female Disciples of Jesus," wikipedia.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Cosgrove, Charles H., "A Woman's Unbound Hair in the Greco-Roman World, with Special Reference to the Story of the 'Sinful Woman' in Luke 7:36-50," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gench, Frances Taylor, "Luke 7:36-50, Expository Article," Interpretation, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hawkins, Peter S., "Mousetraps," The Christian Century, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Jones, David Lee, "Visitation, Declaration, Trepidation, Implication and Anticipation: : Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for June," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kilgallen, John J., "Forgiveness of Sins (Luke 7:36-50)," Novum Testamentum, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kilgallen, John J., S.J., "John the Baptist, the Sinful Woman, and the Pharisee," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kitzberger, Ingrid R., "Love and Footwashing: John 13:1-20 and Luke 7:36-50 Read Intertextually," Biblical Interpretation, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lindvall, Michael, "Scandalous Behavior," The Christian Century, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Phipps, William E., "Itinerating Wives and Mary Madgalene," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reid, Barbara E., "'Do You See This Woman?' Luke 7:36-50 as a Paradigm for Feminist Hermeneutics, Biblical Research, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Smith, Archie, Jr., "Hospitality: A Spiritual Resource for Building Community," Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Tannehill, Robert C., "Should We Love Simon the Pharisee? Hermeneutical Reflections on the Pharisees in Luke," Currents in Theology and Mission, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Alabaster Extravagance," the Rev. Dr. Mary Anderson (ELCA), Day 1, 2013.
  • "A Place of Welcome," the Rev. James T. Moore, Day 1, 2007.
  • "How Much Do You Love?" Pentecost +3, 17 June 2007, Walter Harms, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Love Means No One Is Excluded," Pentecost 2, 13 June 2004, David Zersen, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Life Is Gift," the Rev. Dr. John Claypool, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Seeing Beyond the Sin," the Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jones, Day 1, 2001.
  • "To Whom Much is Forgiven...," sermon on Luke 7:36-47 by Paul Tillich. Chapter 1 from The New Being (1955). At Religion On-Line.
  • "The Pharisee and Prostitute," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily.
    • Ordinary 11, 2010
    • Ordinary 11, 2007
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, , Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2016.
  • Storypath, Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2016.
  • "Mary Puts Lotion on Jesus' Feet," "Jesus Forgives a Sinful Woman in the House of a Pharisee," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "A Debt We Can Never Repay," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
  • "Live by Faith," (Luke 7:50) Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
• Drama:
  • "Even Me," Joanne Miller, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 7:36 - 8:3, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Clip Art: Jesus Anointed by Sinful Woman, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Hymns and Music:
  • God of the Women, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, SLANE 10.10.9.10 (Be Thou My Vision), includes this verse referencing Luke 8:1-3 "God of the women who walked Jesus' Way, Giving their resources, learning to pray, Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and more - May we give freely as they did before."
  • "Christ, You Are Life," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymn based Jesus' raising the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17) and forgiving a sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50). Tunes: LYONS 10. 10. 11. 11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!") and HANOVER ("Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim").
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 7:38, 48. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Give of Your Best to the Master
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Woman Anoints Jesus
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Faith
  • Forgiveness
  • Repentance
  • Clean/Unclean
  • Generosity
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Proper 6C/Ordinary 11C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke

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