Thoughts for the Day

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

There are some words in the Christian faith that are just a pain! Most of us listen to them in lessons or sermons in church and they can go over our heads, because we only have a limited notion of what they mean. Words like 'incarnation', 'salvation', 'righteous', and 'justified' seem to need a dictionary all of their own.

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-collector only appears in Luke's Gospel, which is not surprising really for he cares deeply for outcasts and those at the bottom of the social pile! So he gives us stories like 'The good Samaritan' (10.29-37), 'The Prodigal Son' (15.11-32), and 'The Rich man and Lazarus' (16.19-31). Here in today's reading Jesus offsets one seemingly upright man (even if his attitude is all wrong) with a real sinner. For the Pharisee has tried to obey God's laws, but the tax-collector in working for the Romans and flouting the Law of Moses at every point. Yet Jesus says it is the latter who is 'justified'.

'Justify' means that God pronounces this sinner to be 'righteous' because of his faith and his repentance. To be 'righteous' means that the tax-collector, though a sinner, is living in a right relationship with God. For us as Christian we are justified and made righteous because of our faith in Christ. Through belief in Him and because we acknowledge our sin we have come into a right relationship with God who is the righteous Judge.

Heavenly Father,
we come to You this day
full of repentance for the times
that we have ignored Your wishes,
flouted Your laws,
and loved ourselves more than others.
We are truly sorry,
and ask for Your forgiveness.
through our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ.
Amen.