Lesson 17 The Parable of the Pharisee the

Lesson 17: The Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Background Luke 18: 9 -14 • “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. • This is a parable of contrasts: – The two men – The two prayers – The two results

The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18: 9 -14 • 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’ day • 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) • Opposed Jesus frequently • “Religious show-offs” with tremendous influence • Concerned only with the outward, never the inward

The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: The Narrative Luke 18: 9 -14 • The Two Men (categorically) – Both went up to the temple to pray – The Pharisee – The Publican • Collected taxes (many taxes) for Roman government • 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) • Counted 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) – Prayer of the Pharisee (v. 11 -12) • Reveals his self-trust, trusting his own righteousness – Informs God of his goodness (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 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 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 Results – The Pharisee received nothing • He did not ask anything of God (informed of his goodness) • He trusted in himself (not ask for help/blessing) • He was so full of himself, no room for God • 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 pray • Came with a deeply penitent heart • Needed to make things right with God • Rec’d what came for—justification/forgiven

The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican: Lessons Luke 18: 9 -14 • The Bible tells us what to learn (v. 9, 14 b) • Jesus warns against self-righteousness & pride – Cf. Prov. 16: 18; 6: 16 -19; 3: 5 -6; Jer. 10: 23 • Jesus 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-examination – Cf. Matt. 7: 3 -5; Luke 9: 23; 2 Cor. 13: 5 • Jesus 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 mercy – Cf. Mt. 5: 4; Psa. 38: 18; Ezra 9: 6; Rom. 7: 24; Isa. 59: 1 -2