Luke 7:24-26  “…What did you go out…to see…reed shaken by the wind…man clothed in soft garments…more than a prophet”
Had an idea of what Jesus was saying, but the commentaries were helpful in clarifying it.  Why did they go out to see John?  Was it because he was wishy-washy in his speech, inconsistent in what he taught?  Did he change his message depending on the social pressures of the day?  Did he favor the nobility and/or religious leaders and adjust his speech to suit them?  No on all counts.  John preached the truth regardless of the consequences.  That’s what drew the people out, even if they didn’t agree with him.  I think it goes down into the deepest part of man to seek the truth, even when we’re in violation of it.  And John was more than just a prophet, he was the forerunner of the Messiah.  In a sense, Jesus was telling them He was the Christ.

28  “…he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he”
Seems a contradiction.  But I think Jesus is speaking of the spiritual aspect.  Among the fallen of the world, no one is greater than John, he who had the message to proclaim before the Messiah.  Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  But even John didn’t see the whole picture of salvation and redemption.  Anyone who accepts Christ and receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will be far ahead of where John was in his teaching of the Messiah.  It’s not a level of position, but of understanding.  Of course, John would eventually become greater than he was as well.

29  “…having been baptized with the baptism of John”
Of repentance.  They repented and were baptized to show it.  The Pharisees couldn’t accept Christ because they had never repented.

33  “…John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine…”
People were like children who couldn’t be satisfied.  John lived as a Nazarite, and they called him weird.  Jesus was social, and they accused Him of doing it too much.  They gave excuses for not hearing the message, but the truth was they didn’t want to hear it at all.  They refused to repent regardless.

35  “…wisdom is justified by all her children”
Those who want to see the truth will see it regardless of the messenger, whether the preaching of John or of Jesus.

37  “…woman in the city who was a sinner…”
Probably a prostitute.  One who would commit obvious sins.  Like a tax collector would normally be a thief, an obvious sin.

38  “…stood at His feet behind Him weeping…”
Understood her position and felt genuine repentance.  And she recognized what Jesus offered in the way of forgiveness and redemption and expressed her gratitude.

39  “…for she is a sinner”
Obviously no compassion for the woman at all.  Total judgment against her.

47  “…to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little”
The woman showed signs of acknowledgment of her sins and of the redemption that Jesus offered.  She showed it by responding to Him.  The Pharisee believed himself to be righteous, without need of repentance or forgiveness.  He expressed no love for the Savior.  The Pharisee thought the woman a sinner, someone beneath him, but he was the one in trouble because he couldn’t see his own sin and need for Jesus.

50  “…Your faith has saved you…”
Her response to Jesus and her actions showed her faith in Him, her acknowledgement of who He was.  Faith doesn’t have to be great or large, but it will manifest itself in action regardless.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.