Reflections
March 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
Great teachers and philosophers warn against having a higher opinion of oneself than necessary. The other side of the argument is the old adage which says if we don't blow our own horn who will. Our lives must be lived in real time somewhere in between the two, but we are given stories which shed light on the subject.
Luke 18:9-14 has Jesus telling the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. It begins with the warning of those who trust in their own righteousness rather than that of God. It goes on to say the pharisee stood in the Temple praying in a loud voice how grateful he was that he wasn't like the lowly tax collector. His fine clothes and abundant wealth were proof of God's approval. The tax collector, however, hid in a corner praying earnestly for God's mercy. The passage closes with some hard words in verse fourteen "for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." RSV
It seems normal when we accomplish something to have a certain amount of self-satisfaction and pride. Yet taken literally, this parable would suggest we never do this. Parables were used to exaggerate and overstate the obvious. Here Jesus uses contrast to point out the lack of focus in the spiritual life of the Pharisee. In the Temple of the Holy the Pharisee believed only two things...his personal accomplishments and attributes were the path to salvation, and his goodness was greater than any other persons.
The tax collector on the other hand knew only one thing...his need of God and the vastness of mercy and love found therein.
Luke 18:9-14 has Jesus telling the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. It begins with the warning of those who trust in their own righteousness rather than that of God. It goes on to say the pharisee stood in the Temple praying in a loud voice how grateful he was that he wasn't like the lowly tax collector. His fine clothes and abundant wealth were proof of God's approval. The tax collector, however, hid in a corner praying earnestly for God's mercy. The passage closes with some hard words in verse fourteen "for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." RSV
It seems normal when we accomplish something to have a certain amount of self-satisfaction and pride. Yet taken literally, this parable would suggest we never do this. Parables were used to exaggerate and overstate the obvious. Here Jesus uses contrast to point out the lack of focus in the spiritual life of the Pharisee. In the Temple of the Holy the Pharisee believed only two things...his personal accomplishments and attributes were the path to salvation, and his goodness was greater than any other persons.
The tax collector on the other hand knew only one thing...his need of God and the vastness of mercy and love found therein.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood CA 91601
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood CA 91601
