Luke 18:10,13
09/03/2025
- ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’
- But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’’ (ESV)
‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’… But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’’’
Yesterday we saw the religion of the law, the arrogance which comes from trusting and believing that we, by our own reason, strength, and power, can earn our salvation from sin and death. We saw the Pharisee who looked down on others, who truly was the paragon of religious righteousness.
Back in the shadows, however, stood another man. Our English translations of this parable suggest the tax collector numbered himself as one of many who sinned. Saint Luke, however, used a singular verb, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’’ Our neighbor, the tax collector, didn’t compare himself to others, didn’t suggest that he was one of many who sinned. No, he was the sinner, the one who needed God’s grace and mercy.
How would it be to work with one who has such an attitude? Rather than arrogance and pride, maybe they would be gentle and helpful. After all, as a sinner, they understand that we all are imperfect, that we all make mistakes, that we all fall into temptation. Rather than berating and scolding, this man would be understanding and helpful. He might be a very nice person to have as a neighbor, as an office mate, as a fellow student, as another employee.
May our Lord grant that we see ourselves as ones who need His mercy, grace, and love. Amen.