The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Publican): Luke 18:9
by Owen Borville
Jesus explained the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector or Publican:
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon 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 every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This Parable of Jesus explained that those who are arrogant are not justified, but rather those who humble themselves. A man that does good works will be rewarded for his work, but when he exalts himself he has created sin upon himself. Even though the publican or tax collector was in sin and admitted his sin, he humbled himself and became justified. In first century Rome, publicans had a strong reputation for being sinners. A Pharisee was seen as a righteous man. Tax collectors were also hated during this time because of their association with "Roman establishment" and had a reputation for being dishonest and greedy. However, this particular publican in the parable was willing to humble himself and he was forgiven. The message of this parable reveals what God wants out of his people and what God expects of humanity. No one is perfect, and those who claim to be and exalt themselves are in sin and will be punished.
by Owen Borville
Jesus explained the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector or Publican:
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon 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 every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This Parable of Jesus explained that those who are arrogant are not justified, but rather those who humble themselves. A man that does good works will be rewarded for his work, but when he exalts himself he has created sin upon himself. Even though the publican or tax collector was in sin and admitted his sin, he humbled himself and became justified. In first century Rome, publicans had a strong reputation for being sinners. A Pharisee was seen as a righteous man. Tax collectors were also hated during this time because of their association with "Roman establishment" and had a reputation for being dishonest and greedy. However, this particular publican in the parable was willing to humble himself and he was forgiven. The message of this parable reveals what God wants out of his people and what God expects of humanity. No one is perfect, and those who claim to be and exalt themselves are in sin and will be punished.
