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Introduction: Jesus, the Master Teacher, was giving his disciples some lessons on prayer. In this parable, Jesus showed the necessity of humility in order for a prayer to be acceptable. His teachings were directed at those who trusted in themselves as being righteous and looked at others with contempt. Let us take a look at the characters Jesus used in this lesson.

A. They were the largest sect of the Jews. The Scribes and all of the learned men of the law were Pharisees. The majority of the people followed their teachings.

B. We cannot be sure when they began to exist. Josephus, Antiq. lib. v.c. xiii, s. 9, speaks of them as existing about 144 years before the Christian era. Their name means to separate and probably, at their beginning, they were the nation’s most holy people. They had separated themselves from the national corruption with the intent to restore and practice the pure worship to God. By the time of Christ’s ministry, they had deteriorated greatly and put too much stock into themselves and their traditions. Yet, when you look at their external purity and exactness, it is clear that their principles at the beginning were pure.

1. Jesus said they had cleansed the outside of the cup but the inside was full of abomination. They kept the outward regulations in their garments, hand-washings, etc. but had forsaken the law they proclaimed. Because of this, Jesus called them hypocrites (Matt. 15:1-10).

2. They believed in the resurrection and life hereafter, but they believed also in the doctrine of transmigration. (See McClintock & Strong Article).

 

II. Who was a Publican?

A. They were the tax collectors. Some of these were farmers who also collected taxes or public revenue. This class of men was detestable among the Romans, Greeks and Jews because of their overbearing nature and greed. The Jews hated them in a special way because they were considered traitors. They, being Jews, collected taxes from the Jews for the Romans. In addition to that, most of them were dishonest and charged more than was due and put this into their own pockets.

A. The Pharisee asked for nothing and that is what he got (vv. 11,12).

B. Things we can learn from his prayer:

1. Do not tell God what He knows already!

2. Do not pray to be heard of men (Matt. 6:5-7).

3. Do not commend yourself to God (II Cor. 10:12).

4. Do not compare yourself to other people because Christ is our standard of measure (I Peter 2:21-24).

C. The Publican asked for mercy and got it.

1. He admitted his sins and showed great humility. This is so important because the key to repentance is humility.

 

A. The proper attitude is necessary for forgiveness. Outward appearance alone is not enough. (I Sam. 16:7) "…Man looks on the outward…"

B. Pray sincerely (James 1:5,6).

C. Pray humbly (v. 14; James 4:6).

1. Story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15).

2. When our child looks up at us with tearful eyes and says, "I did not mean to break it, I am sorry, how can we help but forgive?

3. When we have a humble attitude toward God and ask Him to forgive us, He will forgive us.

D. God wants us to be forgiven (II Peter 3:9), but we hold the key by having enough humility to admit we are sinners and that we need the forgiveness of God (II Cor. 7:10) "… godly sorrow works repentance."

E. Which one do we want to imitate---The Pharisee or the Publican?

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