Biblical Reference:
The account of a sinful woman anointing Jesus is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 7:36-50.

Context and Setting:
This event takes place during Jesus' ministry in Galilee. Jesus is invited to dine at the house of Simon, a Pharisee. The setting is a formal meal, likely attended by other guests, where Jesus is reclining at the table, a common practice in Jewish culture during that time.

The Event:
As Jesus is dining, a woman known in the city as a sinner enters the house. She brings with her an alabaster jar of perfume. Standing behind Jesus at His feet, she begins to weep. Her tears wet His feet, and she wipes them with her hair. She kisses His feet and anoints them with the perfume.

Key Verses :
· Luke 7:37-38: "When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume."

Reaction of Simon the Pharisee:
Simon, observing the scene, internally questions Jesus' status as a prophet, thinking that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know the kind of woman who is touching Him and that she is a sinner.

Jesus' Response and Parable:
Perceiving Simon's thoughts, Jesus addresses him with a parable about two debtors, one who owed a large sum and another a smaller amount. Both debts are forgiven by the moneylender. Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the moneylender more. Simon answers that it is the one who was forgiven the larger debt. Jesus affirms Simon's answer and uses the parable to illustrate the woman's actions.

Key Verses :
· Luke 7:41-43: "Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more? 'I suppose the one who was forgiven more,' Simon replied. 'You have judged correctly,' Jesus said."

Jesus' Teaching on Forgiveness and Love:
Jesus contrasts the woman's actions with Simon's lack of hospitality. He points out that Simon did not provide water for His feet, a kiss of greeting, or oil for His head, whereas the woman has washed His feet with her tears, kissed them, and anointed them with perfume. Jesus highlights that her many sins have been forgiven, as evidenced by her great love.

Key Verses :
· Luke 7:47: "Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Declaration of Forgiveness:
Jesus turns to the woman and declares her sins forgiven, which causes the other guests to question who Jesus is, that He can forgive sins. Jesus reassures the woman, telling her that her faith has saved her and to go in peace.

Key Verses :
· Luke 7:48-50: "Then Jesus said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.' But those at the table began to say to themselves, 'Who is this who even forgives sins?' And Jesus told the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'"

Theological Significance:
This narrative highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love and faith. It underscores Jesus' authority to forgive sins and His acceptance of those marginalized by society. The account contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility and devotion of the woman, illustrating the depth of God's grace and mercy.