The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

contemplativesintheworld.blogspot.com

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.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 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!’  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.” Luke 18:11-14 (ESV)

The Pharisee: Full of himself, prideful, smug, our pastor calls them “the ‘look-at-ME’s.’” This man by tooting his own horn showed no respect before God.

The Tax Collector: Looked down upon by the community, humbled himself before God. He recognized he was a sinner. He asked for God’s mercy.

Luke tells us that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified.

Have I been a Pharisee? Yes, at one time or another in my life, I believe I have been. Have I admitted I was a sinner? Yes, when my words do not please God. When I have bad thoughts about another person or a situation.

Why did Luke say the tax collector, considered by the community as a thief, go home justified? God saw his heart and heard his pleas and saw him ‘just-as-if-I (he)’d’ not sinned. God forgave him--the tax collector.

God forgives each of us our sins when we humble ourselves and ask for His mercy. He does this because of His grace for us.

Abba Father: Please help us to humble ourselves when we come before You. Please forgive us our sins and speak words of kindness into our ears. Guide us as we strive to live for You in this fallen world. In the name of Jesus’ I pray. Amen.