BIBLE STUDIES

That Thing God Does
Read Luke 7:36-8:3

In this passage in Luke, we find Jesus enjoying a meal in the home of a Pharisee. Pharisees were more legalistic in their interpretation of Jewish doctrine that Jesus. Disagreements between Jesus and the Pharisees, as noted in the Bible, typically focused on their perception that he did not adhere to the provisions of the law as recorded in the first five books of the Old Testament, or Torah.

Before reading this passage in Luke about a woman described as “sinful,” it may be helpful to review some sections of the Torah that relate to women in general: marriage violations (Deut. 22:13-29), marital discourse (Deut. 24:1-4), childbirth (Lev. 12:1-8), rights of children (21:15-17), in-law status (Deut. 25:5-10) and widows (Deut. 24:19-22).

The Torah also outlines numerous provisions for punishing those who commit sexual indiscretions. While the Luke passage doesn’t indicate the nature of this woman’s sin, scholars suspect it is of a sexual nature—either by her own doing or as the recipient of sexual advances.

1. Read the entire Luke passage. What verses do you believe indicate how the woman may have felt to be in the presence of Jesus? What words would you use to describe her reaction?

2. How would you describe the Pharisee’s reaction to her?

3. Re-read verses 39-47. How would you describe the relationship between Jesus and Simon?

4. Please share a personal story about a time when you felt a deep sense of gratitude. What prompted those feelings?

5. Think about the woman and how her understanding of the law may have shaped her self-esteem and identity. How may her response to Jesus have reflected a new awareness of who she was?

6. Please share a personal story about a time when you were affirmed by someone you respected. Do you think of the experience as holy? If so, how?

7. Re-read verses 48-50. Describe the difference between Jesus’ statements and the guests’ question while reflecting on their regard for Jewish law.

8. What did the woman’s actions convey: To the guests? To Jesus? To her?

9. What did Jesus’ words mean to the woman? To the guests?

10. How would you describe “this thing” Jesus does for those who feel marked by sin or broken? How might the woman’s life be different after what happened at this dinner?

11. Read Luke 8:1-3. What is notable about who is mentioned in these verses? How do you think these verses relate to the story of the woman in Luke 7?

12. Can you think of instances today when someone may attempt to show gratitude in a way that might be considered unacceptable? Please describe. What might those individuals share in common with the woman in Luke 7? How could someone respond in a manner similar to Jesus?

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