Based on His other dealings with the Pharisees, it was probably no accident that Jesus chose a Pharisee to represent self-righteous believers who credit themselves for their goodness and fail to see any imperfection in their own character.
His choice of a tax collector to represent pentient sinners had to be purposeful as well, given tax collectors' infamous reputation in Christ's time for greed and dishonesty. One recalls Jesus' dealings with Zacchaeus and with Matthew the tax collector, both of whom were converted and played significant roles in the New Testamant gospel.
In His work on earth, Jesus had a tendency to concentrate on groups of people that many religious leaders of His day would have regarded as a waste of time. This parable was another rebuke to those in the established church who felt they could discern righteousness (or its lack) in themselves and in others. His point was that true righteousness could only be found in taking on the character of God, claiming His righteousness alone.
According to Luke, Jesus spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector directly "to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." (Luke 18:9)
Jesus said, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus to himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.'" (vs. 10-11)
Pharisee's Prayer Reveals Lack of Understanding
The Pharisee's prayer revealed much about his attitude towards himself and others. His thankfulness was founded only in his delusions of moral superiority. He considered himself to be somehow better than others (v. 11), listing his fasting and tithing activities as evidence. (v.12)
He failed to understand the symbolism behind these things, that they were really designed to demonstrate (and grow) a believer's faith and trust in God, not in himself.
Pharisee Does Not Pray For Forgiveness
Significantly, the Pharisee specifically pointed out the tax collector in his prayer, trying to contrast his own perceived righteousness with what he considered the unrighteous sinfulness of the tax collector. Jesus was also drawing a contrast, but a different one altogether, with the Pharisee's self-righteousness standing in contrast to the tax collector's knowledge of his own sinfulness. (v. 13)
Jesus said, "And this tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!'" The tax collector got right to the point in his prayer, not embellishing his account the way the Pharisee did, not wasting time mentioning anyone else or his judgment of their character. He simply said it like it was--he was a sinner and he needed God's mercy.
The Tax Collector Justified
Jesus said the tax collector went home justified, but not the Pharisee, "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (v.14) Jesus' point was that both men were sinners; the difference between the two was a recognition of their sinful condition. The Pharisee did not recognize himself as a sinner, mistaking outward obedience to the law (tithing and fasting) for inner righteousness, which no one can gain for themselves.
The tax collector was not justified because of his own goodness, but rather, because of his recognition of his own lost condition, and of his need for a savior.
Source:
- Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Jim Whitton - Jim Whitton is a happily married stay-at-home father of two children, a licensed builder and part-time business owner, and a graduate ...
