The Publican and the Pharisee
Introduction: Only Luke’s gospel gives us the account of the publican and the Pharisee in temple prayer (Luke 18:9–14). Jesus used this parable to reveal and conceal truth. The negative aspect is a man with self-righteousness, coupled with disdain for the worth of others. The contrasted positive is a man with heartfelt humility, with appeal to an almighty and merciful God.
NOTE: Bible text is from the Revised Webster Version.
A — Luke 18:9 — The Purpose of the Parable
Luke 18 “9 And he spoke this parable to certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.”
Comments: The opening verse tells us the purpose of the teaching which is to follow, dealing with the condition of the heart of man. Even a Hebrew of Hebrews and a Pharisee, such as Saul of Tarsus, can be converted, as indicated by Paul’s own testimony when he wrote to the church at Philippi: “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Jesus knows the heart of man, and he sets out this parable of a man who trusted in himself, holding on to his confidence in the flesh, and also despised others as he judged them by a standard from his own heart.
B — Luke 18:10 — Two Men Went to the Temple
Luke 18 “10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector.”
Comments: Pharisees were religious leaders in Israel, with respect before men and apparently a core of sound doctrine; but Jesus is often seen in the gospel accounts at odds with this group because of their heart condition. When publicans are mentioned in scripture they are usually in the company of harlots or “sinners,” and the Pharisees always have disdain for both. Interestingly, publicans and harlots were also often in the company of Jesus. This same pattern of human nature is present in our day, as those who seemingly are of good moral character and have the respect of others can find it very difficult to humble themselves to the simplicity of reliance on saving faith alone.
C — Luke 18:11–12 — The Pharisee’s Prayer
Luke 18 “11 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 tax collector. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”
Comments: Isn’t it interesting that the text says “prayed thus with himself”? Do I sometimes find myself thinking along the lines of a Pharisee? Even true conversion does not totally eliminate our inclination to follow the carnal thought processes of the old nature. Many years of religious practice should not elevate us in our own estimation, but rather we should take the position of John the Baptist, and understand that “I must decrease, and he must increase.” Jesus had much to say about the Pharisees’ attitude: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart.
D — Luke 18:13 — The Tax Collector’s Prayer
Luke 18 “13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Comments: Jesus made reference to the Old Testament words from Hosea: “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” In the late stages of the northern kingdom, the people retained some of the signs of true faith, but their hearts were far from the true God. Here, in the tax collector, is a man who has realized how helpless he is to offer anything to God to justify himself, so he cries out for God’s mercy because of the change in his heart.
E — Luke 18:14 — The Justified Man
Luke 18 “14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Comments: The final verse leaves us with a most important conclusion. The Holy Spirit has underscored God’s attitude toward the proud and the humble throughout scripture. Psalms 138 says: “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” James 4 declares: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble” and “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” 1 Peter 5 adds: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, guide me as I study your word to become more like Christ. I don’t want to see others as did the Pharisee of this parable, but I do not want to forget the “Pharisees” who are in the mold of Nicodemus or Joseph either. You have called people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, and from every station in life. Remind me that whatever I learn from Scripture is only what has been revealed to me by the Holy Spirit, and this is just as much a gift from you as is my salvation from eternal death. Whenever you place me in a position of leadership, keep my thoughts on your model of servant-leader, and help me to put others first. Amen.
Published 1 June 2004; first issued 5 February 2002