1. From what we can tell of the “earthly story”, Jesus has been invited to Simon the Pharisees’ home. Upon Jesus’ arrival, a woman known to be a sinner tends to him by anointing him with perfume and kissing his feet all the while wiping her tears away. It is apparent that this woman immediately recognizes Jesus as someone quite special – enough so that she reacts in such an immediate outpouring of love and servitude. Simon the Pharisee, incredulous all the while, makes the statement (to himself) that if Jesus were a prophet, then surely he would know who and what kind of sinner this woman is that is touching him. Jesus then recounts the “Parable of the Two Debtors” to Simon and forgives the woman of her sins, leaving Simon to wonder just what kin
2. The conflict that brings forth Jesus’ telling of the parable is Simon’s dismay at Jesus allowing himself to be touched and tended to by a sinner. Simon assumes that Jesus, a prophet by his understanding, should be at the very least, offended by this woman’s lavish attentions. Yet Jesus accepts the woman without distinction or judgment. This conflict illustrates the chasm that exists between the religious establishment of the time (the Pharisees) and the common folk (the sinner). If such a gulf exists, then what is the function of a Pharisee? Is it merely a figurehead to be exalted as elite, with no relation whatsoever to the “sinner” whom one would assume would need spiritual guidance and acceptance more than any other? Herein is the gap Jesus fills; he is the one that can reach out, be accepti
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