Jean’s Gospel: Pharisee and the Tax Collector

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6 Responses

  1. JoelG says:

    God, I thank you that I am not like other men, like this Pharisee.

    Oh…. wait….

    😉

  2. prodinov says:

    Such a powerful parable for me. After a horrendous divorce 10 years ago, I had to unpack 50 years of Christianity to understand my faith and how to apply it. I actually heard 2 different preachers during reformation 5 years ago…it was an awakening for me. I then went on a journey that connected dots that I had failed to see. My son whom went on this journey with me allowed us both to confront some ugly truths. He went Anglican. Me? Still a little bit of everything but grounded in truth. Thx for the blessings in sharing.

  3. Jean says:

    Joel,

    I am learning to understand why of the 52 Gospel lessons included in the one year historic Lectionary, this particular parable made the cut. It is one I need to re-learn yearly, if not more often.

    prodinov,

    Nice to make your acquaintance.

  4. Owen says:

    Jean,

    This one is always, always relevant. And this form of pride creeps in so insiduosly. I often feel like I have to re-learn this lesson daily.

    Why is it often so hard to remember that we bring nothing to the table?

  5. Jean says:

    Hi Owen,

    “Why is it often so hard to remember that we bring nothing to the table?”

    It seems endemic to our sinful nature. It seems to be an attempt to preserve some individual autonomy, whether by appealing to a “free will” or by believing that we are co-workers with God in our sanctification. Great question. Why do you think?

  6. Owen says:

    Jean,

    And, there it is – sinful nature. The root of which (I believe) is pride, pure and simple.

    To expound a little on your thought regarding individual autonomy – I think maybe we don’t like the thought of losing ourselves, even though it means gaining Christ.

    “5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.””

    I wonder if the “be like God” could also mean wanting our own autonomy, as He has?

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