Two Very Different Men, October 4, 2011

to respond: go to your journal page in https://docs.google.com/ Two Very Different Men Written by Neal Bowes

Luke 18:9-14 ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ 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. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

¹³ "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.'

¹⁴ "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Jesus' parable includes two very different men. The Pharisee was a man who was well schooled on, and very conscious about keeping, the Law of Moses. Pharisees were often considered by their fellow citizens to be noble and righteous. Tax collectors, on the other hand were considered to be traitors. They were Jews who were working for the occupying Roman government. Many had a reputation for cheating their fellow citizens by collecting more money than was due and pocketing it.

As you read the story, what words would you use to describe the Pharisee? How about the tax collector?

The tax collector seems to feel unworthy appearing before God. He doesn't even look up. Can guilt keep a person from coming close to God? What would you say to a person who feels unworthy to talk to God?

The Pharisee seems to be very full of himself. What does Jesus have to say about this attitude?

Consider your attitude toward others. Are you more like the Pharisee or the tax collector? Remember that all that you are and all that you have are gifts from God. Always be thankful for these gifts, and pray that God will help you to always remain humble.