Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. (Luke 18:10)
Body language communicates as much as spoken words do. So it does with these two men who came into the temple to worship. One, a publican, stood far off in lowly fashion. The other, a Pharisee, stood in a more prominent place. The publican’s stance reflected his contrition. He stood beating his breast, unable to look upwards towards heaven. The Pharisee stood erect and firm, exalting self-confidence.
Pharisees were religious leaders, influential and esteemed in Jewish society. They were guardians of God’s law, meticulous in their observance of it. On the other hand, publicans were despised. As tax collectors, they were subcontractors for the Roman Empire. Therefore, they were yoked with an occupying nation that was pagan and oppressive. Publicans derived a handsome income by extorting excessive taxes from their fellow Jews.
Therefore, this Pharisee stands proud before God, self-satisfied and secure in his own virtue. He eyes this publican standing far off with disdain. An air of righteousness encases this religious leader’s high opinion of himself. He points God to his good works and righteousness, “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess’ (Luke 18:12). Juxtaposed to him stands the publican, self identified as “the sinner” (Luke 18:13). This man looks at no one else; rather, he sees only his own shortcomings. He doesn’t bring a resume of righteous deeds to God like the Pharisee, for he has nothing of merit to offer. All he can do is what he does do. He humbly pleas to God for mercy!
This worship event would have taken place at either the time of the morning or evening sacrifice. Upon this sacrifice the tax collector pinned all of his hope. The slain animal represented the sacrifice of the spotless lamb, the Christ, who gave himself for the sin of the world (John 1:29). It is only through His merits and great sacrifice that the publican could cry out to God for mercy. By doing so, this sinner became justified. He was declared to be righteous and in right standing with God.
The original audience of this parable would have marvelled at the tax collector being justified and not the Pharisee (Luke 18:14). But if we know our need and the awesome grace of God, it could be no other way. Salvation is based not on our works but on the atoning work of Christ. It is a gift that we deserve not. Yet in order to receive it, we need such a contrite heart as this publican. We need a childlike faith in God, to trust Him fully and to fully depend on His salvation (Luke 18:15-17). To do so is the only reasonable course. To do so is to have the proper attitude of worship.
Image used by permission of LumoProject
