Lesson 17: The Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

Lesson 17:

The Parable of the Pharisee & the PublicanThe Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

The Parable of the Pharisee & The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican:Publican:The BackgroundThe Background• ““Also He spoke this parable to some Also He spoke this parable to some

who trusted in themselves that they who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9).(Luke 18:9).

• There was a spirit among men that There was a spirit among men that kept them from drawing near to God.kept them from drawing near to God.

• This is a parable of contrasts:This is a parable of contrasts:– The two menThe two men– The two prayersThe two prayers– The two resultsThe two results

Luke 18:9-14Luke 18:9-14

• The Two Men (categorically)The Two Men (categorically)– Both went up to the temple to prayBoth went up to the temple to pray– The PhariseeThe Pharisee

• Meaning “separated one” – prominent, highly Meaning “separated one” – prominent, highly regarded sect of the Jews in Jesus’ dayregarded sect of the Jews in Jesus’ day

• Noted for strict observance of the law (cf. Acts 26:5)Noted for strict observance of the law (cf. Acts 26:5)• Built a wall around the law with their own traditions, Built a wall around the law with their own traditions,

binding them on others, making void the law (Mt. binding them on others, making void the law (Mt. 15)15)

• Opposed Jesus frequentlyOpposed Jesus frequently• ““Religious show-offs” with tremendous influenceReligious show-offs” with tremendous influence• Concerned only with the outward, never the inwardConcerned only with the outward, never the inward

The Parable of the Pharisee & The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican:Publican:The NarrativeThe Narrative Luke 18:9-14Luke 18:9-14

• The Two Men (categorically)The Two Men (categorically)– Both went up to the temple to prayBoth went up to the temple to pray– The PhariseeThe Pharisee– The PublicanThe Publican

• Collected taxes (many taxes) for Roman Collected taxes (many taxes) for Roman governmentgovernment

• Considered traitors (sell outs) by the Jews, thus Considered traitors (sell outs) by the Jews, thus were a despised group (like Gentiles, harlots & were a despised group (like Gentiles, harlots & sinners)sinners)

• Notoriously dishonest (often stealing)—folks didn’t Notoriously dishonest (often stealing)—folks didn’t know the tax laws)know the tax laws)

• Counted as lowest on social ladder, outcasts, Counted as lowest on social ladder, outcasts, extortioners, villains, resented for their workextortioners, villains, resented for their work


• The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts)The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts)– Prayer of the Pharisee (v. 11-12)Prayer of the Pharisee (v. 11-12)

• Reveals his self-trust, trusting his own righteousnessReveals his self-trust, trusting his own righteousness– Informs God of his goodness (I, I, I, I, I)–what I haven’t doneInforms God of his goodness (I, I, I, I, I)–what I haven’t done– Acknowledges no sin, weakness, need or desireAcknowledges no sin, weakness, need or desire– Offers no petition, no intercession or thanksOffers no petition, no intercession or thanks

• Reveals his contempt/disdain for othersReveals his contempt/disdain for others– Places men into classes – he in one alone, all else in anotherPlaces men into classes – he in one alone, all else in another– Views himself as a good man, preferred above othersViews himself as a good man, preferred above others– Measured himself by others, blind to own sinfulnessMeasured himself by others, blind to own sinfulness

• Reveals his perception—he doesn’t need GodReveals his perception—he doesn’t need God– ““He prayed with himself” – God not there; it’s a one-man He prayed with himself” – God not there; it’s a one-man

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• The Two Prayers (revealing their hearts)– Prayer of the Publican (v. 13)

• Reveals his reverence (“standing afar off”)• Reveals his humility

– Would not raise his eyes & beat his breast continually in grief

– Called himself, “the sinner”

• Reveals his sense of utter helplessness/unworthiness

– Keenly aware of his own weakness & sinful condition– Feels that God owes him nothing– Asks only for God’s mercy

• His prayer is brief (7 words)


• The Two ResultsThe Two Results– The Pharisee received nothingThe Pharisee received nothing

• He did not ask anything of God He did not ask anything of God (informed of his (informed of his goodness)goodness)

• He trusted in himself (not ask for help/blessing)He trusted in himself (not ask for help/blessing)• He was so full of himself, no room for GodHe was so full of himself, no room for God• Rec’d what came for—to be seen of menRec’d what came for—to be seen of men (no (no

help/blessing)help/blessing)

– The Publican was justifiedThe Publican was justified• He went to pray because he needed to prayHe went to pray because he needed to pray• Came with a deeply penitent heartCame with a deeply penitent heart• Needed to make things right with GodNeeded to make things right with God• Rec’d what came for—justification/forgivenRec’d what came for—justification/forgiven


• The Bible tells us what to learn (v. 9, 14b)The Bible tells us what to learn (v. 9, 14b)• Jesus warns against self-righteousness & prideJesus warns against self-righteousness & pride

– Cf. Prov. 16:18; 6:16-19; 3:5-6; Jer. 10:23Cf. Prov. 16:18; 6:16-19; 3:5-6; Jer. 10:23

• Jesus teaches the value of humilityJesus teaches the value of humility– Cf. Lk. 14:7-11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; Mt. 5:3; 20:28; Phil. 2:3-Cf. Lk. 14:7-11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; Mt. 5:3; 20:28; Phil. 2:3-

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• Jesus teaches the need for self-examinationJesus teaches the need for self-examination– Cf. Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 13:5Cf. Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 13:5

• Jesus teaches that morality alone will not saveJesus teaches that morality alone will not save– Cf. Acts 10:1-2; 11:13-14; 16:11-15; Matt. 7:21Cf. Acts 10:1-2; 11:13-14; 16:11-15; Matt. 7:21

• Jesus teaches the horror of sin & need for mercyJesus teaches the horror of sin & need for mercy– Cf. Mt. 5:4; Psa. 38:18; Ezra 9:6; Rom. 7:24; Isa. 59:1-2Cf. Mt. 5:4; Psa. 38:18; Ezra 9:6; Rom. 7:24; Isa. 59:1-2

The Parable of the Pharisee & The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican:Publican:LessonsLessons Luke 18:9-14Luke 18:9-14

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Lesson 17: The Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican