Luke 18:12
I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.'
I fast twice a week
This phrase is spoken by the Pharisee in Jesus' parable, highlighting his self-righteousness. The practice of fasting twice a week was common among devout Jews during the Second Temple period, typically on Mondays and Thursdays. The Greek word for "fast" is "νηστεύω" (nēsteuō), which means to abstain from food for religious reasons. Fasting was intended as an act of humility and devotion, yet here it is used to boast of personal piety. Historically, fasting was a means to seek God's favor or guidance, but the Pharisee's approach reflects a legalistic mindset, focusing on outward rituals rather than inward transformation.

I give a tenth of all that I acquire
The act of tithing, or giving a tenth, is rooted in the Old Testament law, where the Hebrew word "מַעֲשֵׂר" (ma'aser) refers to the practice of giving a tenth of one's produce or earnings to support the Levites and the temple (Leviticus 27:30-32). The Pharisee's declaration of tithing "all that I acquire" suggests meticulous adherence to the law, extending even to the smallest of possessions. However, Jesus' teaching often emphasized the spirit of the law over the letter, urging believers to focus on justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The Pharisee's emphasis on tithing highlights a superficial righteousness, contrasting with the humble, repentant heart God desires.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharisee
A member of an ancient Jewish sect, known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. In this context, the Pharisee is praying in the temple, boasting about his religious practices.

2. Temple
The central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem, where sacrifices and prayers were offered.

3. Publican (Tax Collector)
Another character in the parable, who stands in contrast to the Pharisee. He is humble and repentant, acknowledging his sinfulness before God.

4. Jesus
The speaker of the parable, using this account to teach about humility and self-righteousness.

5. Disciples and Audience
Those who were listening to Jesus' teaching, including His disciples and others who were present.
Teaching Points
True Humility vs. Self-Righteousness
The Pharisee's prayer is a warning against self-righteousness. True humility acknowledges our dependence on God's grace rather than our own deeds.

The Heart of Worship
God desires worship that comes from a sincere heart. Our religious practices should reflect an inner transformation rather than a checklist of duties.

Fasting and Tithing as Spiritual Disciplines
While fasting and tithing are important, they should be practiced with the right motives. They are means to grow closer to God, not to earn His favor.

Comparison and Pride
The Pharisee's prayer is filled with comparisons to others. We should focus on our relationship with God rather than measuring ourselves against others.

Repentance and Justification
The parable highlights the importance of repentance. The tax collector, despite his sins, is justified because of his humble and repentant heart.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the Pharisee's attitude in Luke 18:12 reflect a misunderstanding of true righteousness?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual disciplines, like fasting and tithing, are done with the right heart and motives?

3. How does the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenge our views on comparing ourselves to others in our spiritual journey?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility in our daily walk with God?

5. How can we apply the lessons from this parable to our understanding of repentance and justification in light of other scriptures like Isaiah 58 and Matthew 23?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches about fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility rather than outward show.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on minor laws like tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Isaiah 58:3-7
Discusses the true nature of fasting, which should be accompanied by acts of justice and compassion.

1 Samuel 16:7
God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, contrasting with the Pharisee's focus on external religious acts.
Lessons in PrayerR.M. Edgar Luke 18:1-14
A Sermon for the Worst Man on EarthC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 18:9-14
A Sinner Praying for MercyC. Bradley, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
Acceptable and Unacceptable PrayerJ. R. Thompson, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
After Confession of Sin Comes ForgivenessBishop Walsham How.Luke 18:9-14
An Egotistical UtteranceJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
As a SinnerLuke 18:9-14
Belief in the Virtues of OthersT. Guthrie, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
Christian HumilityC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 18:9-14
Earnestness is BriefT. Guthrie, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
Forgiveness Most NeededBishop Walsham How.Luke 18:9-14
HumilityH. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
Humility and Self-Reproach RewardedJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
Humility of PrayerJ. Schmitt.Luke 18:9-14
JustificationHeintzeler.Luke 18:9-14
Justification as the Result of PrayerDean Vaughan.Luke 18:9-14
Lessons from the Pharisee's PrayerA. Gladwell, B. A.Luke 18:9-14
Need, not Magnificence, the Best Aid to PrayerW. Baxendale.Luke 18:9-14
Pharisaical PrayersDean Stanley.Luke 18:9-14
Remarks on the ParableN. W. Taylor, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
Satisfaction with External Ceremonial ActsF. W. Robertson.Luke 18:9-14
Self-Exaltation and Self-AbasementFlavel Cook.Luke 18:9-14
Self-Praise in PrayerJ. Wells.Luke 18:9-14
Sin a Personal Affront to GodBishop Huntington.Luke 18:9-14
The Church is a Place for PrayerA. Gladwell, B. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Cry that Opens HeavenDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Fine PrayerLuke 18:9-14
The Humble Prayer the BestSunday School TimesLuke 18:9-14
The Ingredients of Real MercyJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Nature and Necessity of HumilityN. Emmons, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Penitent's PrayerJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the PublicanD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the PublicanJ. Jortin, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the PublicanCanon Liddon.Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the PublicanR. Winterbotham, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the PublicanW. Clarkson Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee's MistakeJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Poorest the BestPreacher's Promptuary.Luke 18:9-14
The Prayer of PrideR. Farindon, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Publican's PrayerJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Publican's PrayerT. Gibson, M. A.Luke 18:9-14
The Publican's PrayerW.M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
The Publican's Prayer Used in DeathJ. Wells.Luke 18:9-14
The Purpose of the ParableA. B. Bruce, D. D.Luke 18:9-14
True Thoughts of OneselfCanon Liddon.Luke 18:9-14
Whom the Lord ReceivesA. H. Currier.Luke 18:9-14
People
David, Jesus, Peter
Places
Jericho, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Fast, Gain, Gains, Pay, Possess, Tenth, Tithe, Tithes, Twice, Week
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 18:12

     5794   asceticism
     7402   offerings

Luke 18:1-17

     2360   Christ, prayers of

Luke 18:7-14

     2357   Christ, parables

Luke 18:9-12

     5956   strength, human
     7551   Pharisees, beliefs

Luke 18:9-14

     1620   beatitudes, the
     5381   law, letter and spirit
     5813   conceit
     5943   self-deception
     5961   superiority
     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ
     8107   assurance, and life of faith
     8488   tithing
     8820   self-confidence

Luke 18:9-17

     2036   Christ, humility

Luke 18:10-12

     7540   Judaism

Luke 18:10-14

     5576   tax collectors
     7550   Pharisees

Luke 18:11-12

     5773   abstinence, discipline
     8430   fasting, nature of
     8804   pride, examples

Library
June 7 Morning
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.--LUKE 18:1. Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 3 Evening
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee . . . Lord, that I may receive my sight.--LUKE 18:41. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, . . . shall teach you all things.--Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 2 Evening
When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?--LUKE 18:8. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.--The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall from the faith. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 14. "Men Ought Always to Pray" (Luke xviii. 1).
"Men ought always to pray" (Luke xviii. 1). Let this be a day of prayer. Let us see that our highest ministry and power is to deal with God for men. Let us be obedient to all the Holy Spirit's voices of prayer in us. Let us count every pressure a call to prayer. Let us cherish the spirit of unceasing prayer and abiding communion. Let us learn the meaning of the ministry of prayer. Let us reach persons this day we cannot reach in person; let us expect results that we have never dared to claim before;
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Three Kinds Op Praying
'And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6. And the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Entering the Kingdom
'And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16. But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. 18. And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19. And Jesus said unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Man that Stopped Jesus
'And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him: and when he was come near, He asked him, 41. Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?'--LUKE xviii. 40-41. This story of the man that stopped Christ is told by the three 'Synoptic' Evangelists, and it derives a special value from having occurred within a week of the Crucifixion. You remember how graphically Mark tells how the blind man hears who is passing and immediately begins to cry with a loud voice to Christ to have mercy upon
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

September the Fourteenth the Sense of Want
"This man went down to his house justified rather than the other." --LUKE xviii. 9-14. The Master sets the Pharisee and publican in contrast, and His judgment goes against the man who has made some progress in moral attainments, and favours the man who has no victories to show, but only a hunger for victory. The dissatisfied sinner is preferred to the self-satisfied saint. The Pharisee had gained an inch, but had lost his sense of the continent. The publican had not pegged out an inch of moral
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to Pray, and not to Faint," Etc. And on the Two who Went up Into
1. The lesson of the Holy Gospel builds us up unto the duty of praying and believing, and of not putting our trust in ourselves, but in the Lord. What greater encouragement to prayer than the parable which is proposed to us of the unjust judge? For an unjust judge, who feared not God, nor regarded man, yet gave ear to a widow who besought him, overcome by her importunity, not inclined thereto by kindness. [3531] If he then heard her prayer, who hated to be asked, how must He hear who exhorts us to
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Confession and Absolution
I. Brethren, let us imitate the publican, first of all in his CONFESSION. There has been a great deal of public excitement during the last few weeks and months about the confessional. As for that matter, it is perhaps a mercy that the outward and visible sign of Popery in the Church of England has discovered to its sincere friends the inward and spiritual evil which had long been lurking there. We need not imagine that the confessional, or priestcraft, of which it is merely an offshoot, in the Church
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Worthy Communicant
LUKE xviii. 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. Which of these two men was the more fit to come to the Communion? Most of you will answer, The publican: for he was more justified, our Lord himself says, than the Pharisee. True: but would you have said so of your own accord, if the Lord had not said so? Which of the two men do you really think was the better man, the Pharisee or the publican? Which of the two do you think had his soul in the safer
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Charity of God
(Quinquagesima Sunday.) LUKE xviii. 31, 32, 33. All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. This is a solemn text, a solemn Gospel; but it is not its solemnity which I wish to speak of this morning, but this--What has it to do with the Epistle, and with
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Self-Inspection.
11th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke xviii., 13. "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." INTRODUCTION.--I have spoken to you on former occasions pretty strongly upon the evil of backbiting, slandering, and casting of blame without sufficient cause. I am not going to address this day those who speak evil, but those of whom evil is spoken. The Publican in the Parable stood far from the
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Man's Difficulty Concerning Prayer.
--and not to faint.'--ST. LUKE xviii. 1. 'How should any design of the All-wise be altered in response to prayer of ours!' How are we to believe such a thing? By reflecting that he is the All-wise, who sees before him, and will not block his path. Such objection springs from poorest idea of God in relation to us. It supposes him to have cares and plans and intentions concerning our part of creation, irrespective of us. What is the whole system of things for, but our education? Does God care for
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Word of Jesus on Prayer.
They ought always to pray.'--ST. LUKE xviii. I. The impossibility of doing what we would as we would, drives us to look for help. And this brings us to a new point of departure. Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces, checks some tendency to abandon the strait path, leaving open only the way ahead. But there is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain--oneness, that is, with the Lord of Life; to pray for this is the first thing; and
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). Christ had said to the rich young ruler, "Sell all that thou hast . . . and come, follow me." The young man went away sorrowful. Christ then turned to the disciples, and said: "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" The disciples, we read, were greatly astonished, and answered: "If it is so difficult to enter the kingdom, who, then, can be saved?" And Christ gave this blessed
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

"Because of his Importunity. "
"Nov. 19 [1846].--I am now led more and more to importune the Lord to send me the means, which are requisite in order that I may be able to commence the building. Because (1) it has been for some time past publicly stated in print, that I allow it is not without ground that some of the inhabitants of Wilson Street consider themselves inconvenienced by the Orphan-Houses being in that street, and I long therefore to be able to remove the Orphans from thence as soon as possible. (2) I become more and
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

That all Things are to be Referred to God, as the Final End
"My Son, I must be thy Supreme and final end, if thou desirest to be truly happy. Out of such purpose thy affection shall be purified, which too often is sinfully bent upon itself and upon created things. For if thou seekest thyself in any matter, straightway thou wilt fail within thyself and grow barren. Therefore refer everything to Me first of all, for it is I who gave thee all. So look upon each blessing as flowing from the Supreme Good, and thus all things are to be attributed to Me as their
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Protesting Our Innocence?
We have all become so used to condemning the proud self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican,[footnote1:Luke 18:9-14] that we can hardly believe that the picture of him there is meant to apply to us--which only shows how much like him we really are. The Sunday School teacher was never so much a Pharisee, as when she finished her lesson on this parable with the words, "And now, children, we can thank God that we are not as this Pharisee!" In particular
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

Prayer and Humility
"If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth's grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God's will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham's bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home."--John
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40),
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Three Last Parables of the Peræan Series: the Unrighteous Judge - the Self-Righteous Pharisee and the Publican - the Unmerciful Servant
If we were to seek confirmation of the suggestion, that these last and the two preceding Parables are grouped together under a common viewpoint, such as that of Righteousness, the character and position of the Parables now to be examined would supply it. For, while the Parable of the Unjust Judge evidently bears close affinity to those that had preceded - especially to that of him who persisted in his request for bread [4644] - it evidently refers not, as the other, to man's present need, but to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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