APRIL 6, 2008

 

Intro: Ch.18:9-14- Jesus again contrasts two men—see

7:41- 2 creditors and 15:11- 2 sons.

 

I. Design of the parable- 18:9

1) Self-righteousness is the sickness of the arrogant –

see Micah 7:2-4- ‘best …brier’

2) By-product of such self-R is contempt for others.

See 15:2-

  The parable is to expose the flaws of self-R

and rebuke such thinking.

 

II. Description of the characters-18:10-

Chosen from opposite ends of moral/social spectrum.

1) Pharisee- separated ones-  rebuked by Jesus in

11:39-44

2)Tax- collector- objects of scorn—tended to be corrupt

 

III. Declaration by the Pharisee- 18:11-12

1) States his self-righteousness- “I am not like…”

see Matt.23:28

2) Attempts to bargain with God by reminding Almighty

of his good deeds-  see Matt.6:1-2

 

IV. Discontent of the tax-collector-18:13

1) “standing afar off”-positioned at distance- uneasy

2) “would not raise his eyes”- unworthy to look to God

3) “beat his breast”- gesture of self-punishment

4) His plea- “merciful” = word for Mercy Seat in

Tabernacle-  see Psa.51:1-4

  He attempts to bargain with God out of humility-

James 4:6

 

IV. Doctrine proposed by Jesus- 18:14-

“justified” = declared righteous before God- Rom.3:25

  Application- “everyone who exalts…humbled”=Pharisee

   “he who humbles….exalted” =tax collector