He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt…
Luke 18:9-14
Among the audience for this parable were those who “trusted in themselves,” those who believed they were “righteous” and, these people treated others with “contempt.” Jesus uses a Pharisee, possibly the most righteous man a Jew could think of and a tax collector, the most hated Jew of the day, maybe more so than a Samaritan. These two go to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee prays aloud so that he can be heard by others to display his “righteousness.” The Pharisee thanks God that he is NOT like other men, “extortioners,” unjust, adulterers, even, like the tax collector there also to pray. He continue to tell God, as if God needed to know, that he fasts twice per week and he tithes of everything he earns or finds laying on the ground(mint and cumen). What an arrogant man! On the other hand, the tax collector, “standing far off” (because he would not have been allowed to enter the Temple), not looking to heaven, as the Pharisee did but, bowing his head in humbleness and “beating his breast,” prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” This man, hated by all his fellow Jews, Jesus says he went home forgiven and “justified” for he had humbled himself before God seeking His forgiveness, think Zacchaeus here. Christians, all who exalt themselves will be humbled by Almighty God! But, those who humble themselves before the Lord “will be exalted.” Let not knowledge, position in the church, or “fame” of one’s righteous acts” be the cause to puff up oneself for God will reduce that one to nothing.
Source: S C Ball March 31, 2023
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