The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
Before we escape judgment over the issue of this passage let us look at this Pharisee’s list. It is interesting that he has a list of sins that “he” is not. Is this list all inclusive of every sin that exists or only the ones he considers himself free from?
The funny thing about lists is that the creator of any list has a measuring stick of some sort to justify the order and importance of the list. The fact that he is a Pharisee is interesting in that they only appear in the bible in the New Testament. Their roots begin some time after the return to Jerusalem at the end of the Babylonian exile. What we know about them comes from comments made by Jesus about them.
- Matthew 15:3
He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? - Matthew 15:6
he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.
Tradition is a man created measuring tool unlike the commandments of God. It allows us to ignore our sin while pointing the finger of accusation at others. This takes us back to the rich man who did everything right but his heart was corrupted by the love of money.
Sadly the issue of claiming righteousness on the basis of good deeds is a fallacy that ignores the truth. None are righteous but God.
John 16:8-11 English Standard Version
8 And when he (holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Listen closely here, the Holy Spirit convicts us of righteousness because our righteousness ascended to the Father and we no longer have a righteous example to follow in earthly form.
1 Corinthians 1:30 / 2 Corinthians 10:17
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”