Moralists & Sinners

Today’s reading covers some well-known parables, including the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Jesus knew the hearts of the people He spoke to; some trusted in their own righteousness.  

On the surface, the Pharisee seems to be a moral and upstanding person. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (Luke 18:11–12, KJV) Who wouldn’t want the Pharisee as a neighbor? He’s a honest person, avoids adultery, isn’t a cheater, attends church every Sunday, and gives from his income. 

Then there is the tax collector—a dishonest, unjust, cheating sinner who is too busy taking and has no time for giving. He knows he is an adulterer. Who would want this person as a neighbor? But he has reached a point before God where he confesses his sin with great sorrow and pleads for mercy. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13, KJV)

In this parable, the moralist—an upright member of society—is further from the kingdom of God than the tax collector because he trusts in his own righteousness and works to justify himself before God. The tax collector confesses his sins and appeals to God’s mercy. Who can God forgive? The one who asks! It's a lesson to stop comparing our righteousness to others' actions, because others are not the standard. The righteousness of Jesus is the standard by which we all, including moralists, fall short. May we all have the humility of the tax collector.