Luke 7:45

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

Luke 7:45 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the larger account in Luke 7:36-50, where Jesus dines at the house of Simon the Pharisee. During the meal, a woman known as a sinner enters, stands behind Jesus, weeps, and washes His feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints them with perfume. Simon silently questions whether Jesus is truly a prophet, since He allows such a woman to touch Him. Jesus responds with a parable about two debtors, then directly contrasts Simon’s cold hospitality with the woman’s fervent devotion.

Meaning

In Jesus’ culture, a kiss was a customary greeting of honour and respect. Simon, as host, omitted this basic courtesy, revealing his lack of regard for Jesus. The woman, however, had not stopped kissing Jesus’ feet since He entered—an act of profound humility and reverence. Jesus points out this contrast to expose Simon’s self-righteousness and to affirm the woman’s genuine love. Her persistent affection flowed from her awareness of her great need for forgiveness and the grace she had received.

Biblical connections

Jesus draws the lesson explicitly in Luke 7:47: those who are forgiven much love much, while those who are forgiven little love little. The woman’s actions demonstrate a faith that is visible and active, not merely formal. Her worship contrasts with the coldness of religious observance without love, showing that true devotion arises from a heart transformed by grace. This passage also reveals Jesus’ willingness to receive the repentant, regardless of their past, and underscores the importance of genuine, humble worship over mere religious formality.

Application

This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Like Simon, we may become judgmental and self-righteous, failing to recognise our own need for forgiveness. The woman’s example calls us to respond to God’s grace with tangible love and gratitude—serving others humbly, worshipping sincerely, and extending grace as we have received it. No matter our past, Jesus welcomes the repentant and transforms them into people of extravagant love. Her persistent devotion models a faith that is not hidden but expressed in humble, ongoing acts of love toward Christ.

Reflection

Consider how you express your love for Jesus. Is it marked by the warmth of genuine devotion, or has it cooled into mere routine? The woman’s tears, her hair, and her costly perfume were all offered without reservation. Her story invites us to bring our whole hearts to Christ, confident that His forgiveness is greater than our sin and that His grace can turn our gratitude into a life of humble, persistent love.