The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)

This parable condemns those who are self-righteous and who treat others with contempt. Self-righteousness was a common trait among the Pharisees, and it continues to plague people today. When a person is self-righteous, he thinks he is, not only better than he really is, but also better than the people around him. In this parable, the Pharisee was thankful that he was not an extortioner, unjust, an adulterer, or even a publican (ver. 11). Now, there was nothing wrong with being thankful. It was the Pharisee’s attitude towards others that was the problem. When he said, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men,” he showed, not only a self-righteous mentality, but also a level of self-deception. The truth is, this Pharisee was just like all other men. His sins may have been different than the ones he mentioned in his prayer, but he was still a sinner.

Here is the problem that the self-righteous have with justification. It is only obtained by those who acknowledge their sins. When a person is blind to his sins, he will never do what is necessary to have his sins forgiven. John said that God is faithful to forgive us if we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Remember this because we are all sinners (Ro-mans 3:23). Do not think that you are better than anyone else just because your sins are not as bad as theirs. You may not be an adulterer, but you are still a sinner. I may never be guilty of extortion, but I am still a sinner, and the good I do in life does not change this.

The Pharisee boasted about fasting and tithing (ver. 12). We may boast about church attendance, visiting the sick, etc.; however, when we make a list of works, we are acting like this Pharisee. That does not mean that works have no role in justification. They do (James 2:21-22). However, works alone do not save, any more than faith alone saves. The Pharisee thought that he obtained justification by refraining from certain sins and doing a few good works, and that such made him better than others. That was to ignore the fact that he was a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness. Apart from God’s grace two things are true—first, all the good works in the world will not save us; and, second, just one sin will condemn us. When we understand this, instead of making lists, we will seek justification by the mercy of God.

The publican got it right (ver. 13). He was so aware of his sins that he could not even lift his eyes towards heaven. Instead, he acknowledged that he was a sinner and begged God for mercy. Jesus said he was the one who obtained justification (ver. 14). Who are you more like in this parable, the Pharisee or the publican? Do you have a list of good works that make you feel superior to others, or do you acknowledge, like the publican, that you are a sinner who must rely on God’s mercy for justification? At one time Paul was a Pharisee, but when he converted, he learned to be more like the publican and did not put confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Where do you put your confidence? Is it in your own goodness, or is it in the grace of God? Only one answer leads to justification. As you wind down for the night, think on these things.