Lesson 17: The Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Background “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9).“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9). There was a spirit among men that kept them from drawing near to God.There was a spirit among men that kept them from drawing near to God. This is a parable of contrasts:This is a parable of contrasts: –The two men –The two prayers –The two results Luke 18:9-14

The Two Men (categorically)The Two Men (categorically) –Both went up to the temple to pray –The Pharisee Meaning “separated one” – prominent, highly regarded sect of the Jews in Jesus’ dayMeaning “separated one” – prominent, highly regarded sect of the Jews in Jesus’ day Noted for strict observance of the law (cf. Acts 26:5)Noted for strict observance of the law (cf. Acts 26:5) Built a wall around the law with their own traditions, binding them on others, making void the law (Mt. 15)Built a wall around the law with their own traditions, binding them on others, making void the law (Mt. 15) Opposed Jesus frequentlyOpposed Jesus frequently “Religious show-offs” with tremendous influence“Religious show-offs” with tremendous influence Concerned only with the outward, never the inwardConcerned only with the outward, never the inward The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18:9-14

The Two Men (categorically)The Two Men (categorically) –Both went up to the temple to pray –The Pharisee –The Publican Collected taxes (many taxes) for Roman governmentCollected taxes (many taxes) for Roman government Considered traitors (sell outs) by the Jews, thus were a despised group (like Gentiles, harlots & sinners)Considered traitors (sell outs) by the Jews, thus were a despised group (like Gentiles, harlots & sinners) Notoriously dishonest (often stealing)—folks didn’t know the tax laws)Notoriously dishonest (often stealing)—folks didn’t know the tax laws) Counted as lowest on social ladder, outcasts, extortioners, villains, resented for their workCounted as lowest on social ladder, outcasts, extortioners, villains, resented for their work The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18:9-14

The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts)The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts) –Prayer of the Pharisee (v ) Reveals his self-trust, trusting his own righteousnessReveals his self-trust, trusting his own righteousness –Informs God of his goodness (I, I, I, I, I)–what I haven’t done –Acknowledges no sin, weakness, need or desire –Offers no petition, no intercession or thanks Reveals his contempt/disdain for othersReveals his contempt/disdain for others –Places men into classes – he in one alone, all else in another –Views himself as a good man, preferred above others –Measured himself by others, blind to own sinfulness Reveals his perception—he doesn’t need GodReveals his perception—he doesn’t need God –“He prayed with himself” – God not there; it’s a one-man show The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18:9-14

The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts) – –Prayer of the Publican (v. 13) Reveals his reverence (“standing afar off”) Reveals his humility – –Would not raise his eyes & beat his breast continually in grief – –Called himself, “the sinner” Reveals his sense of utter helplessness/unworthiness – –Keenly aware of his own weakness & sinful condition – –Feels that God owes him nothing – –Asks only for God’s mercy His prayer is brief (7 words) The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18:9-14

The Two ResultsThe Two Results –The Pharisee received nothing He did not ask anything of God (informed of his goodness)He did not ask anything of God (informed of his goodness) He trusted in himself (not ask for help/blessing)He trusted in himself (not ask for help/blessing) He was so full of himself, no room for GodHe was so full of himself, no room for God Rec’d what came for—to be seen of men (no help/blessing)Rec’d what came for—to be seen of men (no help/blessing) –The Publican was justified He went to pray because he needed to prayHe went to pray because he needed to pray Came with a deeply penitent heartCame with a deeply penitent heart Needed to make things right with GodNeeded to make things right with God Rec’d what came for—justification/forgivenRec’d what came for—justification/forgiven The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18:9-14

The Bible tells us what to learn (v. 9, 14b)The Bible tells us what to learn (v. 9, 14b) Jesus warns against self-righteousness & prideJesus warns against self-righteousness & pride –Cf. Prov. 16:18; 6:16-19; 3:5-6; Jer. 10:23 Jesus teaches the value of humilityJesus teaches the value of humility –Cf. Lk. 14:7-11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; Mt. 5:3; 20:28; Phil. 2:3-4 Jesus teaches the need for self-examinationJesus teaches the need for self-examination –Cf. Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 13:5 Jesus teaches that morality alone will not saveJesus teaches that morality alone will not save –Cf. Acts 10:1-2; 11:13-14; 16:11-15; Matt. 7:21 Jesus teaches the horror of sin & need for mercyJesus teaches the horror of sin & need for mercy –Cf. Mt. 5:4; Psa. 38:18; Ezra 9:6; Rom. 7:24; Isa. 59:1-2 The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: Lessons Luke 18:9-14