Poetry · Chapter
Simon's Feast explained
A penitent woman approaches Jesus at Simon's feast, washing his feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair.
What happens
A penitent woman approaches Jesus at Simon's feast, washing his feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. Simon doubts Jesus' prophetic insight, but Christ perceives his thoughts, forgives the woman's sins, and reveals the transformative power of divine love and redemption.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because the young man, after years of struggle and self-control, emotional…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hope and Redemption
The woman's sins are forgiven, and her life is transformed, illustrating the power of divine grace to cleanse guilt and restore purity.
- Faith and Divine Justice
Christ sees beyond outward sin to the potential for goodness, offering forgiveness and liberation from spiritual bondage.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“He enters the home as Simon’s guest, But he gives no welcome kiss; He brings no water to bathe his feet— Why is Simon so remiss?”
Jesus arrives at Simon's house, but Simon fails to greet him with a kiss or provide water for his feet, showing neglect.
Highlights Simon's lack of hospitality and respect toward Jesus.
“Where Simon only saw the stains, Where sin and shame were rife, Christ looked beneath and saw the germs Of a fair, outflowering life.”
Simon focused on the woman's sin and disgrace, but Jesus perceived her potential for goodness and renewal.
Contrasts human judgment with divine insight and mercy.
“Like one who breaks a galling chain, And sets a prisoner free, He rent her fetters with the words, “Thy sins are forgiven thee.””
Jesus liberated the woman from the bondage of sin by declaring her forgiven, as if breaking chains.
Emphasizes the freeing power of forgiveness.
