Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Which Are We?
Today we are confronted with one of the most haunting parables of Jesus. It examines the true nature of each of us. Found only in Luke’s Gospel (18:9–14), its simplicity penetrates our hearts and asks us whether we truly understand the call of Jesus to walk as he walked and to realize our own faults.
Jesus “told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others” (v. 10 RSV). Two men went to the temple to pray, a Pharisee and a tax collector (called a “publican” in some translations). Pharisees were the most “religious” characters in Judaism. Others were probably envious that Pharisees were assured of God’s favor. Because they extorted the poor on behalf of the Roman oppressors, tax collectors (like Zacchaeus, Luke 19:1–10) were despised. As with most parables, we must ask: Which character are we?
The Pharisee stood praying, or really bragging, that he was not like other men, like this tax collector. He declared he fasted twice a week and was proud he tithed. The tax collector did not even look up and stood in the shadows. If we were there, we probably could not have heard his prayer. He had nothing about which to brag. In true contrition, he was deep in sorrow, which was hidden from the self-serving Pharisee. The tax collector confessed his sins before the righteous Lord in whom he hoped for forgiveness: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (v. 13).
Jesus concludes: “I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather then the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted” (v. 14).
The parable leaves us with a question: Which are we?
Tom Shelton, bishop and retired pastor
DeLeon Springs, Florida
