Jesus read Simon’s heart, and knew how he had been influenced by the insinuations of Judas, and that he had questioned in his mind, saying, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a sinner.” When Judas had left the house, Jesus turned to his host and said, “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.” Simon replied, “Master, say on.” Then Jesus proceeded to speak a parable, which illustrated the contrast between the gratitude of his host, who had been healed of the leprosy, and that of Mary, whose sins had been pardoned. Said he, “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?” {2SP 380.1}

Jesus gennemskuede Simons hjerte og vidste, at Judas' bemærkning havde påvirket hans sind, og at der var vakt tvivl hos ham, så at han sagde ved sig selv: "Hvis den mand var en profet, ville han vide, hvad slags kvinde det er, som rører ved ham, at hun er en synderinde." (Luk 7,39) Da Judas havde forladt huset, vendte Jesus sig til sin vært og sagde: "Simon! jeg har noget at sige dig." Simon svarede: "Sig det, Mester!" Da fremførte Jesus en lignelse, som viser forskellen mellem hans værts taknemmelighed, der er blevet helbredt af spedalskhed, og Maria, hvis synder var blevet tilgivet. Han sagde: En mand, som lånte penge ud, havde to skyldnere; den ene skyldte ham fem hundrede denarer, den anden halvtreds. Da ingen af dem havde noget at betale med, eftergav han dem begge deres gæld. Hvem af dem vil nu elske ham mest?" (41.,42.vers)