Conclusion of The Need For Prayer And For Humility

Among those listening to Jesus are some who feel quite self-assured in their faith. They trust in themselves that they are righteous, and they look down on others Certain ones of Jesus' disciples may even be included in the group. So he directs the following illustration to such ones: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and began to pray these things to himself, 'O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.'"

The Pharisees are noted for their public displays of righteousness to impress others. The usual days for their self-imposed fasts are Mondays and Thursdays, and they scrupulously pay the tenth of even the small herbs of the field. A few months earlier, their contempt for the common people had been manifest during the Festival of the Tabernacles when they said: "This crowd that does not know the Law [that is, the Pharisaical interpretation given to it] are accursed people."

Continuing his illustration, Jesus tells of such an "accursed" person: 'But the tax collector standing at a distance was not willing even to raise his eyes heavenward, but kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.'" Because the tax collector has humbly acknowledged his shortcomings, Jesus says: "I tell you, This man went down to his home proved more righteous than that man; because everyone that exalts himself will be humiliated, but he that humbles himself will be exalted."

Thus Jesus again emphasizes the need to be humble. Being reared in a society in which the self-righteous Pharisees are so influential and position and rank are always stressed, it is not surprising that even Jesus' disciples are affected. Yet, what fine lessons in humility Jesus teaches! Luke 18:1-14; John 7:49.

Next time: Lessons On Divorce And On Love For Children

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991