The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14

Review Luke 18 has 2 parables about prayer –“The Persistent Widow” We ought to always pray We should not lose heart –“The Pharisee and the Publican” Addresses the spirit with which we pray –Gives both a positive and a negative example

The reason for the parable Luke 18:9 –Some heard Jesus’ words (Lk 18:1-8) and automatically assumed they were among the righteous whom God would avenge –Self-righteousness leads to another sin Despising those who are not like yourself

The Parable Luke 18:10 –2 men go to the temple to pray Demonstrates they both have some religious leanings A Pharisee –A Jewish religious group –Strict, many traditions A publican (tax-collector) –Considered traitors to Judea –Considered extortioners

The Parable Luke 18:11-12, The Pharisee’s prayer –He prayed with himself Jesus reveals that God isn’t listening –Thanks God that he is better than others Not a public sinner (extortion, unjust, adultery) Not even a “likely sinner” like the publican He even goes beyond the law –Fasts 2x/week (Lev 16:29 only 1x/year) –Tithes ALL he had (Dt 14:22-23 only certain things had to be tithed) –He “knew” he was on the right track Only wanted to acknowledge that “truth”

The Parable Luke 18:13, The publican’s prayer –Expressed shame, repentance and humility Stood “afar off” – too ashamed to draw near Eyes down – too humble to try to look to God “Beat his breast – a sign of anguish, remorse Acknowledged his sins and asked for mercy –Repentance

The results Luke 18:14 –The publican was “justified” Not “innocent”, but made right Ps 32:1-5 He received what he asked for, “mercy” –The Pharisee also received what he asked for Nothing He didn’t feel he needed anything Or perhaps he got acknowledgement from men (Mt 6:5)

The application The parable is about more than just prayer –Prayer is an element of the parable –But parables are used to teach spiritual lessons Jesus tells us the main application –“… for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. “

The application Warning against self-righteousness –Pharisee trusted in his own good works –Mt 23:23-26 Good works are required But not at the expense of “weightier matters”

The application Warning against arrogance –Pharisee despised others –James 2:1-9 All should be treated equally No one is any “better” in the eyes of God

The application The value of humility –Similar to the lesson in “The Lowly Place” –Man needs to realize his place with respect to a holy God Isa 66:1-2 –We have nothing God needs Isa 57:15 –But God chooses to dwell with the humble

Conclusion The parable is about how we live our lives –Not just how we word our prayers Do we live as if we are doing fine on our own? –Do we look down on those who aren’t as religious as we are? Or do we humbly acknowledge our faults and ask God’s help and forgiveness? Only one kind of person will be justified by God