Luke 18:9-14
Consider the contrasts between the two men in Jesus’ parable...
1. They had different postures in prayer. (18:11, 13)
- The indication of the text is that the Pharisee stood in public view to be seen of others as he was praying. The Greek can literally be translated: “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed...” This is significant because it brings to mind the way Jesus said hypocrites liked to pray in Matthew 6:5. Apparently, he wanted to be seen and heard as he extolled his virtues before God.
- The Publican, however, stood at a distance (“...standing afar off...”), so the fewest number of people would see him as he prayed. He did not want to be in public view. He did not feel worthy to be in God’s presence.
2. They had different approaches to God. (18:11-12, 13)
- The Pharisee addressed God, but then immediately began listing his virtues (He’s not like the “extortioners, unjust” and “adulterers.” He fasts “twice a week” and “gives tithes” of “all” his possessions. Notice that he congratulates himself on the things he can list and measure.
- The Publican addresses God, too, but won’t even “raise his eyes to heaven” as he prays and “beats his breast.” “Beating the breast” was a sign of mourning or remorse. This man is broken and sorrowful for his sins, asking God for mercy.
3. They had different perspectives on themselves. (18:11-12, 13)
- The Pharisee thought in himself that he was righteous. Actually, as Jesus is telling this story, most everyone listening would have thought the Pharisee was righteous. Today, our opinion of the Pharisees is colored by all the information we have about them. But, in the first century, the Pharisees were among the most respected people in society. They were known for their piety and religious deeds.
Notice that five times he uses the first person pronoun (“I”) in his prayer to God. He’s more interested in impressing God with his deeds than he is seeking something from God.
- The Publican, on the other hand, was among the most despised people in his society. He was viewed as a Jewish collaborator with the Roman government, oppressing his own people. The Greek text can actually be translated as, “God, be merciful to me THE sinner!” When the Publican approaches God, he acknowledges his sin. He even feels he is the worse sinner possible in need of God’s mercy. Unlike the Pharisee, he doesn’t plead any merit...he pleads for mercy! This wording is not unlike that of Paul...cf. 1 Timothy 1:15.
4. They had different measures of righteousness. (18:11)
- The Pharisee felt good about himself because he viewed himself as better than other men around him. They were his measure, not the God of Heaven. He was better at following the Law than most of his day. His telling comment comes when he sees the Publican praying and specifically points him out saying, “or even as this tax collector.” He was using the Publican to make himself look better to God and others.
When you measure by others you always miss something (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:12). The Pharisee mentions three specific sins of which he says he is not guilty: extortion, injustice, and adultery. But, what about his sin of pride or his attitude of contempt for others (“Love your neighbor as yourself”)?
- The Publican never looked up while he was praying and never paid attention to the others that may have been around him. His measure was God and only God could forgive and extend him mercy.
5. They had different feelings toward others.
- Self-righteous people are usually critical of others, pointing out their flaws and failures, while ignoring their own. The Pharisee was harsh and condescending (18:9), as if he didn’t need the mercy of God. He thought of himself as better than most other people. He was arrogant and proud!
- Nothing is mentioned about the Publican’s feelings toward others because his focus was God and himself...not others. He knew he needed mercy and it seems feasible that he would have been merciful, since that’s what he was seeking from God.
When Jesus concludes the parable, He identifies which of these men went home right with God and everybody would have been shocked by his conclusion...it was the Publican!
Jesus explains why he went home right with God...He humbled himself before God!
People that exalt themselves will be “humbled.” But, those that humble themselves will be “justified” and/or “exalted.” All three of these verbs are divine passives, meaning that God is the One who acts upon the person to make them happen. God is moved when we humble ourselves and don’t make Him humble us (cf. Philippians 2:9-11).
Application:
1. You can’t earn Heaven by the way you live (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. You can’t impress God with who you are or what you’ve done (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34).
3. You can’t receive mercy without humbling yourself before Him.
- We need a radical faith that relies solely on the mercy/grace of God and not self-effort.
