21 Behold, one person leads a life of sin and is at last redeemed; another, in a careless mood, forgets to do the things he ought to do; but he reforms and is forgiven. Now, which of these has merited the higher praise?
22 And Simon said, The one who overcame the errors of a life.
23 And Jesus said, You speak the truth.
24 Behold, this woman who has bathed my feet with tears and dried them with her hair and covered them with balm!
25 For years she led a life of sin, but when she heard the words of life she sought forgiveness and she found.
26 But when I came into your house as guest you gave me not a bowl of water that I might wash my hands and feet, which every loyal Jew must do before he feasts.
27 Now, tell me, Simon, which of these, this woman or yourself, is worthy of most praise?
28 But Simon answered not.
29 Then to the woman Jesus said, Your sins are all forgiven; your faith has saved you; go in peace.
30 And then the guests who sat around the board, began to say within themselves, What manner of a man is this who says, Thy sins are all forgiven?