Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the guests. He had not been treated as he desired Mary to be treated. He saw that Jesus did not wish to expose his guilt to others, but sought by a true statement of the case to convince his mind, and by pitying kindness to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but patient admonition convinced 568 him of his error. He saw the magnitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple.

Simon blev bevæget over Jesu venlighed ved ikke åbenlyst at dadle ham, medens gæsterne var til stede. Han var ikke blevet behandlet sådan, som han havde ønsket, at Maria skulle behandles. Han forstod, at Jesus ikke ønskede at indvie andre i hans skyld, men at han ved en sandfærdig redegørelse for sagen havde søgt at overbevise ham og ved medlidende venlighed prøvet at betvinge hans sind. En hård fordømmelse ville have forhærdet Simon, så han ikke angrede, men en tålmodig formaning overbeviste ham om hans vildfarelse. Han så, hvor stor den gæld var, som han skyldte Herren. Hans stolthed svandt, han angrede, og den stolte farisæer blev en ydmyg, selvforglemmende discipel.