Title: Pharisees and publicans / Luke 18:9-14
Contents
Pharisees and publicans / Luke 18:9-14
In today's text, a Pharisee and a publican appear. However, you can see that there are similarities and differences between the two.
First, a Pharisee and a publican were different in comparison.
The Pharisee was compared to 'man'. This is where the error started. The Pharisee compared himself to the swindler, so he thought he was relatively poor. He believed that he was righteous because he compared himself to an unrighteous person and an adulterer. That is why he did not know how great a sinner he was before God. However, because the publican did not compare himself with others, he looked at himself before God, so he realized his transgressions and sins, and humbly repented and was justified.
Second, the Pharisees and tax collectors had different grounds for courage.
The Pharisees and tax collectors all courageously called out to God. But you can see that the rationale for that courage is different. The Pharisee found courage in his actions. He did not extort, did not commit unrighteousness or adultery, and thoroughly kept the law. So, it was the logic that he could stand proudly before God. But the tax collector was different. He had nothing to offer before God, so he pleaded for mercy on him. He boldly went before the Lord, looking only at the grace of God. So, did you not receive forgiveness and comfort from God?
Third, the Pharisees and tax collectors had different attitudes to prayer.
The Pharisee stood alone and prayed. Because he had a sense of privilege that he was different from other people. However, the publican realized his sin and thoroughly repented of his sin and prayed, so he was forgiven and praised by the Lord. Therefore, I hope that we too will come before God with the attitude of a publican, repent of our sins, be forgiven, and receive God's comfort and blessing.