Post 107
In Luke 18:8-14, Jesus spoke a parable about two men – a Pharisee and a Publican – who went into the temple to pray. The Pharisee’s prayer illustrated a self-righteous attitude before God and pride in religion.
He bragged that he was not a sinner like the Publican; that he was not like other men –unjust, extortionist and adulterers. Further, he boasted about his fasts twice weekly and payment of tithes.
The Pharisee trusted in himself that he was righteous and despised others the way many Christians do today. They trust themselves and their church denomination and despise all others – fellow Christians and non- Christians – who do not have the same faith as theirs or belong to their church denomination.
Unlike the boasting Pharisee, the Publican simply humbled himself before God, expressing grief at his lost condition and acknowledged that he was a sinner. The humble Publican’s prayer illustrated himself as the sinner and God as the One to be appeased.
Contrasting the Pharisee and the Publican, their standing in society were different. Their sources of trust were not the same. While the Pharisee trusted in his self-righteous attitude, the Publican trusted in God for mercy and forgiveness.
Their prayers were also not the same. While the Pharisee’s prayer indicated hypocrisy, the Publican’s demonstrated a humble heart before God.
The results of their prayers were also not the same. Jesus said the Publican went home justified while the boastful Pharisee, who exalted himself before God, and his prayer were rejected.
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