But it was Simon's ignorance of God and of Christ that led him to think as he did. He did not realize that God's Son must act in God's way, with compassion, tenderness, and mercy. Simon's way was to take no notice of Mary's penitent service. Her act of kissing Christ's feet and anointing them with ointment was exasperating to his hardheartedness. He thought that if Christ were a prophet, He would recognize sinners and rebuke them. To this unspoken thought the Saviour answered: "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. . . . There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell Me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And He said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

Men det var Simons uvidenhed om Gud og om Kristus, der fik ham til at tænke, som han gjorde. Han var ikke klar over, at Guds Søn måtte handle, som Gud ville gøre det med medlidenhed, nænsomhed og barmhjertighed. Efter Simons mening burde man ikke bekymre sig om Marias angerfulde handling. At hun kyssede Kristi fødder og salvede dem med salve, virkede irriterende på hans hårde hjerte. Han mente, at hvis Kristus var en profet, ville han vide, hvem der var syndere, og irettesætte dem.