A Sinner and a Pharisee: Challenge at Simon's Table in Luke 7:36-50.This article argues that Lukan meal scenes are encounters which bring to life the invitation and challenge at the heart of Jesus' proclamation in this Gospel. After a brief introduction to Greco-Roman and Old Testament influences, and the shape of Lukan meals, it outlines the central themes of Jesus' proclamation as exemplified by both what Jesus says and the response he receives in the inauguration of his ministry at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30). In light of the key themes of acceptance, release and participation for both "insiders" and "outsiders", the study then considers the meal scene in Luke 7:36-50 and draws conclusions about the challenge to transformation which takes place at Simon's table. It concludes by briefly alluding to ways in which other Lukan meal scenes embody these themes in Jesus' proclamation.
