The story of Jesus having dinner with Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7.36 – 50) speaks to the difference between religious people and Jesus, and it’s a bit scary. Simon thinks he’s following God. Actually, he probably thinks he’s doing God a favor by being so separated, so holy. And in the process, he completely misses what God is about. 

In the neighborhood there was an immoral woman of the streets, known to all to be a prostitute… [She] knelt at the feet of Jesus in front of all the guests. Broken and weeping, she covered his feet with the tears that fell from her face. She kept crying and drying his feet with her long hair. Over and over she kissed Jesus’ feet… When Simon saw what was happening, he thought, “This man can’t be a true prophet. If he were really a prophet, he would know what kind of sinful woman is touching him.” (Luke 7.37 – 39, Passion Translation)

But Jesus is demonstrating what God is really like. 

Then Jesus said to the woman at his feet, “All your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7.48, Passion Translation) 

Jesus mixes with “sinners,” lets them know their sins are forgiven, and tells them they are free to start fresh. 

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith in me has given you life. Now you may leave and walk in the ways of peace.” (Luke 7.50, Passion Translation)