Bible Study - Luke 18:9-14
- Read Luke 18:9-14
- The context for the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
is set up in 18:9 and rounded off in 18:14. Jesus was speaking to some
Jews who thought themselves beyond reproach. The ancient Israelites
fasted on the Day of Atonement. Other fasts were added by Jewish
tradition. The Pharisees had advanced this practice to excess.
- The Pharisee in this parable did not go to the temple to pray to
God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax
collector went recognising his sin and God's mercy.
- The tax collector requested that God's wrath against his sin be
satisfied and that he be extended mercy. Jesus Christ, the sacrifice of
our sins would soon become the answer to his prayer.
- Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person
to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from
God. The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all
need God's mercy every day. Do not let pride in your achievements
cut you off from God.
- To think about
- 1. What is the difference between the prayer of the Pharisee and
the prayer of the tax collector?
- 2. Why was the tax collector justified? How can you make your
prayers more like his?
- Prayer
- Dear Lord, let us find the humility to pray the tax collectors
prayer O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner; for we always need
your mercy, Lord. And Lord, be with us when we struggle to overcome our
self-righteousness, and allow us to ask for your forgiveness when we
know we need it. Amen