Pharisess and Tax Collectors
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
In my sermon on this text I began by asking which team would you rather be on, the Pharisees or the Tax Collectors? While most of us might bravely select the Tax Collectors, most of us would qualify for the Pharisees.
The difference between these two characters that impresses Jesus is their level of humility. I'llbe you can think of a time when your lack of humility has gotten you itno trouble. I can think of several in my own life.
Of course, God knows the truth about us before we even begin a prayer, so there is no point in being anything other than totally honest with God when we do pray. What do you need to do to get yourself into a posture of humility rather than one of pride?
Peace,
Philip+
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This is an online bible study presented by All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick Maryland
3 comments:
I identify with the Pharisee. Though maligned by modern Christians they were just trying to understand how God wishes us to live. Maybe some were bad, but the crime of pride as in this case is certainly a lesser sin than murder, etc.
Most folks forget Paul who colors most of the New Testament was a Pharisee, taught by one of the greatest of them all. Look at how he stumbled.
I believe their are different degrees of sin and surely a just God knows the difference. Our sins are forgiven in absolution, but not forgotten. I've always struggled with this concept. John
John you sound like a good old catholic finding the line between venials and mortals the some total of which determines our time in purgatory. How do we decide the little ones and the big ones. Are our sins the little ones and somebody else's are the big ones? I thought missing the mark was missing the mark and all sin was equal in the eyes of the Lord.
Cam
Cam,
I feel the sins of pride and taking advantage of others as did the tax collector are two degrees of sin. Perhaps murder, idol worship, or breaking any of the other commandments are examples of great sins which God even punished in the old testament. We can't see into a person's heart to see their true nature as can God. Only he can see if we truly love him and our neighbors.
Zachaeus in this weeks Gospel is another case in point of not showing love for his God or others. I believe a persons actions do speak of what's in one's heart. Both tax collectors did to others what they knew was wrong when it benefited them. Are they now forgiven because it also benefits them? Paul says we are saved by Grace not works but Jesus said he fulfilled the law but didn't replace it. What saves us. For me it's both by grace and works. Who we are inside which shows in our actions are what's important. I can't see your heart Cam, but your works speak volumes! John
btw - the Mormon's see different levels of heaven to accomodate the range of salvation. I don't know myself. If someone killed my wife and then had a death row conversion, my humanity would be skeptical.
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