THE CONTEXT:
In Luke 17:20 and following, Christ teaches the Pharisees about the kingdom. The Pharisees, like the Jews in general, believed that Jesus intended to establish an earthly kingdom. But here He indicates that “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (v. 21). Though the kingdom had not actually been established at this point, as it would come with power on the first Pentecost after the resurrection (see Mt. 16:18; Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 2:4), the kingdom of God was certainly upon them (see Lk. 11:20).
In reference to the coming destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus teaches that one ought to seek to lose his life so that life may be gained (Lk. 17:33). In other words, they ought to submit unto Him. The events spoken of in this chapter should not be confused with the second coming of Christ at the end of time since the instructions given here will not be relevant at that time (see vv. 31-35).
At the beginning of chapter 18 Jesus uses a parable to teach that “they ought to always pray and not lose heart” (v. 1). This seems to have a particular connection with the coming destruction of Jerusalem, suggesting that prayerful living will overcome the difficulties that lie ahead. They should keep on pleading with a merciful God who will surely grant them deliverance according to His promise. The parable ends with the ominous statement: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (v. 8).
OUR TEXT: LUKE 18:9-14
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus gives here a parable, “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” It is not an actual event but one that would be fathomable from what we know about the Pharisees (see esp. Mt. 6). Jesus said these things “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (v. 9). They were deficient in faith and proficient in ego.
Their deficient faith was based on their justification by their good works, which, in reality, weren’t so good! Why? Because their hearts were far from God (see Mt. 15:8). They were insincere in faith. Though their prayers were long and pious (outwardly), the purpose of their prayers was mainly for show (see Mt. 6:5).
Years ago I was engaged in a discussion about whether it was wrong for a person to raise their hands in the air when they were praying to God. My response was something like: “I sure hope they pray with raised hands when they go home and shut their door.”
Both of the men of the parable entered the temple to pray. The men were very different. Their prayers were very different. Their hearts were very different. These men were perceived by others very differently. The Pharisees were revered by the people, and the tax collectors were considered to be traitors. God saw things very differently.
The Pharisee manifested his self-righteousness in prayer by comparing himself with others, even the tax collector who was with him in the temple! He boasted to God about his own righteousness.
When the tax collector prayed he was “standing far off.” He was in a more humble location. He prayed with a more humble posture. He prayed with more humble words. Most importantly, he prayed with a more humble heart. The tax collector knew who he was speaking to. God was his true audience. The only words he spoke were: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Ironically, it is this man who went home being justified by God rather than the Pharisee (v. 14). Should we miss the point of this parable, Jesus clarifies at the end, stating, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 14).
In reality, though prayer is a major theme of this text, the parable is about humility. Humility, as well as arrogance, manifests itself in very different ways… ways that are always clear to our Lord. May we ever and always be mindful of our heart in worship and in life.
Daren Schroeder
