Esegesis Luke

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             There are three main characters in the narrative: Jesus, the Pharisee and the Woman. The three individuals represent three different positions in the story and thus enable the narrative to explore and clarify an issue. The Pharisee has invited Jesus to dine with him. Tannehill suggests that the motive for the invitation is an opportunity to test the validity of Jesus as a prophet. Potentially, the Pharisee's skepticism of this fact is the reason for his lack of hospitality to Jesus. Commentary in the NSRV Bible states that "a meal with a Pharisee provides an occasion to discuss who is acceptable in God's kingdom." The irony in the passage is that the least acceptable in the eyes of the Pharisee is the most acceptable in the eyes of Jesus. The scene opens with Jesus reclining at the banquet table. There are discrepancies within the translations as to whether he was seated or reclining at the table. Fitzmeyer uses the translation of "kateklithe", which would characterize the dinner as a festive banquet and would situate Jesus and the guests reclining, a banquet tradition in Palestine at the time. .
             We are introduced to the female counterpoint to the story as "a certain woman in the town known to be a sinner." She is unnamed and speaks no words in the story. However, her dramatic actions allow Jesus to teach a powerful lesson to the woman, the Pharisee, the other dinner guests and the reader. The author of Luke does not avail any information as to the cause of her sins. It is often remarked that she was a "whore" or the town prostitute but there is no evidence in the scripture to credit this label. The sins of the woman are positioned directly against the righteousness of the Pharisee. The Pharisees were the guardians of the Word of God, the epitome of holiness, righteousness and purity. The author does not divulge the reason why the woman has come to the banquet uninvited, but one could assume that the word of Jesus" teachings and healings was widespread and the woman was led by her faith.