[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income." But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.'
Today is Ash Wednesday, and the word that comes to the forefront is contempt. I’m not sure why the word stood out, it just did. Jesus is talking to the folks who disapprove of, and are judgmental of the way others live their lives. They are self righteous and think they are superior. Jesus is speaking this parable to “some” who considered themselves righteous and regard others with contempt.
The Pharisees are a political party of religious lay persons who specialized in Torah (Jewish Law). They were in conflict with Jesus because Jesus often used them as examples of how not to act. The Pharisees were worried about keeping the letter of the law, and thought that keeping the law alone sanctified their daily life and would bring about the redemption of Israel
Tax collectors were the Jews who collected taxes from the people on behalf of the Roman government. They were considered scoundrels because they took money from their own people for a foreign power. They were often corrupt, and took money to pad their own pockets.
Jesus’ parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee creates a sharp comparison and contrast for the hearer to ponder. The Pharisee is set up as the one who considers himself righteous and the Tax Collector as the humble repentant sinner.
In the parable, the Pharisee is not the least bit introspective in his prayer. He does not acknowledge his own sin, but is self righteously thankful that he is “not like other people.” In contrast, the Tax Collector is humble and asking God for mercy, knowing that he is a sinner.
At the beginning of this season of Lent, the call in this passage is humility and self-awareness. If we are humble in our prayers and honestly bear before God our shortcomings and ask for mercy, God hears us and forgives us. Only then are we able to grow and learn and live in right relationship with God.
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