Jesus then turns away from Simon and looks the woman in the eye. He says pointedly, “Thy sins are forgiven.” Of course, the notable guests who “sat at the table with Him” were astounded and began to whisper, “Who is this that forgiveth sins also?”  

Jesus then turned to the woman and affirmed a second time, “Thy faith hath saved thee. Go in peace.” Literally, He said, “Go into peace,” for “peace” not shame and guilt would be her new life in Christ.  

It is important for us to understand that the woman was not forgiven because she loved much, but that she loved much because she was forgiven. Adoration is a response to, not a reason for, Christ’s forgiveness. 

Like the debtor in Jesus’ story, her loving worship of Jesus was because He had already forgiven her. He reaffirms that forgiveness here for Simon’s benefit.  

We do not know what Jesus preached that day. Perhaps it was a message like The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). She knows that she too is a prodigal, wasting her life on the streets. Maybe she heard Jesus’ great invitation such as the one recorded in Mathew 11:28-30? 

Like many people today, before she met Jesus she probably pretended that there was nothing wrong with the life she had chosen for herself. She probably justified herself by saying that she was just getting by the best she could. Is this not true for all who had to make the decision to come to Jesus? Are you in? Do you know Jesus?