Popular attitudes toward religion in Jesus' lifetime were no different than attitudes today. There will always be those who believe that they can win God's favor by scrupulous observation of rules and regulations. The other guests at the dinner were "observing" Jesus in the hope that they could catch him breaking the rules.

"Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines." (Heb 12:6) This line from the Christian Scriptures is based in Hebrew culture. The same sentiment is portrayed in Psalm 13:24 "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him."

Mary was the first to know God's Word in the flesh (her own flesh); in the Assumption, she became the first to know the salvation brought by God's incarnate Word.