PARABLE OF THE TWO WORSHIPPERS

(The story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee)

a. “And he spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.

b. "Two men went up into the temple to pray. One, a Pharisee and the other a Publican. 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. I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all that I possess’.

c. “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heavens, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner’.

d. 'I tell you', Jesus continued, 'This man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 9 – 14)

Do not Trust in Yourself/Your Works

Jesus shared this particular parable because he wanted to correct certain people who trusted in their righteousness, and despised others.

We see two people in this story; one, a Pharisee and another, a Publican and tax collector. They both went up to pray. The Pharisee presented his good works before God. He even referenced the Publican’s flaws to score himself some points and win the recommendation of God.

For this self-righteous man, he is not as sinful as others are, so God should hear him faster and grant his requests, he thought. But he missed it.

‘Be merciful to me, a Sinner’

The tax collector on the other hand felt ashamed of himself. He probably heard the prayers of the Pharisee, who even added ‘…or even as this Publican’ referring to him.

He heard the high credit, high score records of righteousness the Pharisee attached (as original copies of certificates) to his (curriculum vitae of) prayer.

He (the Publican) could not lift his eyes towards heaven, but rather put his face down in shame, and said ‘Be merciful to me, a sinner’. He recognized his helplessness. He asked for mercy. Jesus testified that the later left that temple justified in the sight of God.

We are Saved by Grace Not by Works

This Pharisee, brought up in the Mosaic laws and tradition, like other Pharisee was conversant with this kind of thinking. They were taught that justification was based on religious cleansing and works of righteousness.

This was the case in the era of the law, but Jesus used this story to announce the kick off of a new era –the era of Grace.

Justification is no longer by works but by grace. No one ever gets justified in the sight of God by presenting him/her works. As anointed as Joshua was, when he appeared before the Lord, the Lord said ‘Take off this filthy garment from him.’ (Zachariah 3:4b)

When Prophet Isaiah saw the presence of God for the first time, he exclaimed ‘Woe is me!' Isaiah 6.

Dear reader, endeavour to live righteously,✅ but do not depend on your righteous works or righteousness as your access to God. ❌❌ When the feeling of guilt come, do not condemn yourself. Already, our righteousness is as filthy rags before him.

So, rely on the price Jesus paid for your righteousness.

Lastly, remember that we cannot win the favour of God by stating our righteous works, but through Jesus. Read my article The Righteousness of the Law.

Look up: Philippians 3:9, Romans 3:20, and Romans 8:11. God bless you.

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