The Pharisee and the Rebublican

The other day, in confirmation class, we were talking about Luke 18:9-14.  The book we were using referred to the Pharisee and the publican, but also noted that "publican" could also be translated as"tax collector."  One of my students didn't pay close enough attention and was referring to the Pharisee and the Republican.

Insert your political punchline here if you'd like...

We had an interesting conversation about this parable and the difference between the Pharisee and the tax collector.

• The Pharisee believed that he deserved God's blessings because he had earned them while the tax collector knew that he was desperately sinful and only God's mercy could help him.
• The Pharisee was very happy with himself while the tax collector was in angst because of his sin.

We talked about what word of God the Pharisee needed to hear and what the tax collector needed to hear.

• The Pharisee needed to hear God's law, to reveal his true unrighteousness, so that he would be aware of his desperate need for a savior.  
• The tax collector needed to hear God's word of Gospel, that there is full and free forgiveness because of the Messiah Jesus.  He needed to know that in spite of his brokenness, God loved him and was there to bring true healing, forgiveness, and ultimately restoration as well.

This got me to thinking about the attitudes of the Pharisee and the tax collector and what things might differentiate them today.

Perhaps the Pharisee...

• would look for a church that would re-enforce the idea that he is good, God is pleased with him, and that the problems lie with others.
• would look for a church that would teach him how to be an even better person and thus please God all that more.
• would look for a church that would make him feel even better about himself.

Perhaps the tax collector...

• would come to church knowing his brokenness and be thrilled to find a place where he can be honest about his sin and overjoyed to hear that for the sake of Jesus he is forgiven.
• would look for a church that isn't afraid to speak God's law and make him come face to face with the sin in his life.  
• knowing the depth of his sin would love the Savior that much more.
• would look for a church that is honest about sin and centered on the Savior.

 Measured by the worlds standards the Pharisee would have been regarded as the better man, but Jesus makes it clear that it is only the repentant tax collector who leaves as a justified person.

There is much more that could be added, but one thing to remember as you think about attending the Divine Service this Sunday...
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."(Psalm 51:17)

So if you're feeling beaten down and broken as did the tax collector, come and hear of Jesus who justifies, heals, and restores.   And if you're feeling self assured, proud, and full of yourself, come and hear the law of God and you'll understand what the gospel of Jesus Christ is so sweet.