Luke 7:49 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"

NIV: The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

NASB: And then those who were reclining at the table with Him began saying to themselves, 'Who is this man who even forgives sins?'

CSB: Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?"

NLT: The men at the table said among themselves, 'Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?'

KJV: And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

NKJV: And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

When Jesus told the sinful woman her sins were forgiven, He revealed that it was He, Himself, who had forgiven them (Luke 7:48). The other dinner guests don't approve.

The host of the banquet, Simon, personally invited Jesus. He must know Jesus' reputation as a miracle worker (Luke 7:14–17, 21). Yet he provided the minimum of courtesies when Jesus arrived, revealing that Jesus is not an honored guest (Luke 7:44–46). Jesus' interactions with the woman inspire Simon's judgmental doubt that Jesus is even a prophet (Luke 7:39).

Now, Jesus has compared Simon's and the woman's attentions in an interesting way. Jesus says the woman washed and anointed His feet because she loves Him. And she loves Him because she knows her many sins are forgiven. Simon's minimal attentions to Jesus show that if he loves Him, it's just a little. And if he only loves Jesus a little, it's because his righteous lifestyle as a Pharisee has led him to underestimate God's forgiveness. The mercy shown by God is extraordinary, no matter how much or how little sin is involved.

The guests' question here is important. Jesus has made it clear that He did not just announce that the woman's sins were forgiven—as any prophet of God could. He forgave her—as only God could. This is a much greater offense than a sinful woman disrupting a dinner party. While meaningful, the question is not unique. It's been asked by other Pharisees (Luke 5:20–21). Jesus' disciples will later wonder at Jesus' command over winds and water (Luke 8:25). Herod Antipas will wonder at who Jesus is (Luke 9:7–9). John the Baptist has questioned whether Jesus is the Messiah or if another is coming (Luke 7:19). Who is this Jesus?

The inquiry is vital; it should be asked by every one of us. Who do we believe Jesus is? Do we believe He can forgive sins? It's the most important question of anyone's life.

Luke 7:39–50 places Simon the Pharisee at center stage. Unlike the centurion (Luke 7:1–10), Simon misreads his standing in comparison to the greatness of Jesus. He's somewhere between the humble who accept Jesus and the arrogant who flatly reject Him (Luke 7:29–34). Simon has invited Jesus to dinner, given Him the minimum hospitality, and silently judged Him. This contrasts with the repentant woman who interrupts dinner to bless Jesus (Luke 7:36–38). Jesus goes where Simon doesn't expect: Simon understands neither forgiveness nor love.

Luke 7 presents a chiasm: a set of themes mirrored around a reflection point. The humble centurion (Luke 7:1–10) contrasts the legalistic Pharisee (Luke 7:39–50). The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11–17) and the sinful women (Luke 7:36–38) have nothing to offer but gratitude for Jesus' blessings. In the center are John the Baptist and his disciples who struggle to trust that Jesus is worth following (Luke 7:18–23), then the sinners who do choose to follow Jesus and the religious leaders who refuse (Luke 7:24–35).

Luke 7 continues Jesus' mission primarily to the people of Galilee expressed as a series of pointed events and teachings punctuated by calls to follow Him. He has finished teaching the rigors of discipleship (Luke 6:17–45) and invited the crowd to place their faith in Him (Luke 6:46–49). Here, Luke describes different reactions to Jesus' miracles and message. Next, Jesus will reveal the mechanics of and reactions to His call (Luke 8:4–21) before showing His great authority over nature, demons, sickness, and worldly powers (Luke 8:22—9:17). After a final call to the disciples to deepen their faith (Luke 9:18–50), Jesus will turn toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51—19:27).

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.