“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ ”

Luke 18:11-13

Reflect: Are you ever tempted to focus more on what you are doing than on what God is doing for you?

THINK FURTHER!

Two men go up to the temple to pray. The context is the ‘time of prayer’: a time of both corporate worship and private prayer associated with the atonement sacrifices (offered daily at dawn and 3 pm).

Standing apart from others to avoid contact with anyone unclean, the Pharisee is assured of his standing with God and is contemptuous of others (vv. 9,11). He’s gone further than required in fasting and tithing, he’s outdoing others, at least in his own estimation. He asks nothing of God because he believes nothing is lacking. He’s like the ninety-nine who do not realize they need to repent.

In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, fearing to come closer. Beating one’s breast is unusual and suggests broken- hearted penitence. He dares not look up to heaven. His request is for more than mercy. Remember that this is an atonement sacrifice. His prayer is something like, ‘God, make atonement for me, a sinner’ (Paul uses a related noun to describe the cross as a ‘sacrifice of atonement’ Rom 3:25). He’s asking for grace.

Jesus is clear: the tax collector’s humble request means that he goes home justified, but the Pharisee’s complacent self-praise means that he’s disregarded and will be humbled.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, if there are places where I see myself more highly than I should, show me, convict me, and draw me to repentance. Thank you that you are always eager to forgive me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)