Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 18:9-14. This parable is a profound illustration of humility, repentance, and the nature of true righteousness before God. It contrasts the attitudes and prayers of two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector, also known as a publican.Context and Audience Jesus addressed this parable to some who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else. The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and additional oral traditions. They were often seen as the epitome of religious piety and moral superiority. In contrast, tax collectors were generally despised by the Jewish people for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for corruption and greed. The Pharisee's Prayer In the parable, the Pharisee stands by himself and prays: "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire" (Luke 18:11-12). The Pharisee's prayer is characterized by self-righteousness and pride. He lists his religious accomplishments and compares himself favorably to others, particularly the tax collector. His prayer lacks any acknowledgment of personal sin or need for God's mercy. The Publican's Prayer In stark contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven. He beats his breast and prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). The publican's prayer is marked by humility and repentance. He recognizes his sinfulness and his need for God's mercy, without any attempt to justify himself or compare himself to others. Jesus' Teaching Jesus concludes the parable with a powerful statement: "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). This declaration overturns the expectations of Jesus' audience. It is not the outwardly righteous Pharisee who is justified, but the repentant tax collector. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness comes from humility and a recognition of one's need for God's grace. Theological Implications The parable underscores the futility of self-righteousness and the importance of humility before God. It teaches that justification is not based on human merit or religious observance but on God's mercy and grace. The Pharisee's reliance on his own righteousness is contrasted with the publican's reliance on God's mercy, highlighting the biblical truth that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Application for Believers For believers, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican serves as a reminder to approach God with humility and repentance. It warns against the dangers of pride and self-righteousness and encourages a posture of dependence on God's grace. This parable calls Christians to examine their own hearts, to avoid judgmental attitudes, and to seek God's mercy continually. Nave's Topical Index Luke 18:9-14And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Nave's Topical Index Library The Grace of God through Jesus Christ. " Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion The Pharisee and Publican The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the ... Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer Protesting Our Innocence? Christ Teaching Humility The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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