This woman felt a great need. She was sin-burdened, and needed a divine deliverer, and the Saviour proved to be an all-sufficient helper. How was it with Simon? Why, he relied on himself. He felt no need of Christ’s help. He was self-satisfied--a very good man in his own opinion. The woman had expressed her gratitude in many touching ways, but Simon had no sense of gratitude. He had given no kiss of welcome, had provided no water for the feet, had failed to anoint the Saviour’s head. Beyond a doubt there are a great many excellent people to-day of Simon’s stamp. They are quite courteous, if their social position is not compromised thereby. They will spread a feast, and invite the Lord to dinner. And yet, they feel no need of Christ. The whole show of hospitality is a cold, heartless formality, with no tenderness of emotion towards Him. They feel no longing to make sacrifices for His sake as expressive of their love. And so, while treating Christ respectfully, they do not treat Him lovingly. They think too well of themselves. They need to recognize more fully their position of danger and their dependence upon Christ. There is also a wonderful picture in this narrative of Christ’s love for us. How considerate His treatment of this penitent and broken-hearted woman! He was not supercilious. He had no feeling of pride that resented her touch. It was not necessary that He avoid her in order to vindicate His own purity. Hitherto Jesus had said nothing to the woman, though it must have thrilled her soul when she heard what had been said to Simon in the application of the parable. She was first indirectly assured of the grace of God in respect to herself, and of the principle on which her forgiveness was vouchsafed. She knew that He was not ashamed of her, and, finally, she heard Him say in so many words, “Her sins which are many are forgiven her.” Having said so much to Simon concerning her, Jesus now turned to the woman herself, laid His hand tenderly upon the bowed head, for He would not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, He would not by bitterness drive her from Him, but as her Defence and Deliverer, personally addressed her, and said, “Thy sins are forgiven!” There now remained not a doubt in her mind. She had His word personally addressed to her, and this was the ground of her assurance. [Illustration: THE UNINVITED GUEST.]