Luke 18:9-14 English Standard Version

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Pay close attention to verse 9. There is no connection between attitude and religion in this first line. Being self-righteous and contemptuous does not in and of itself demand that religion be involved. It is only in this parable that the connection is made between them for the purpose of seeing how justification works.

One does not have to be a Pharisee to act like a Pharisee. Anyone satisfied with their lives will not seek help.

Likewise no one has to be a tax collector to be dissatisfied with the life they are living. Note closely that this man did nothing more than plead for mercy. This is acknowledgement of guilt, a life lived out of control and feeling vulnerable. He does not have to name his sins to repent of them.

My first prayer to God was only in my mind “I don’t want to be like this.” That is all it took because God knew what was in my heart and in my mind.

If others cannot tell us what is troubling them, then just ask them to be honest with themselves and in private seek God’s mercy and see for themselves how God responds to prayer.

It couldn’t hurt and who knows, maybe God will honor honesty.