A Contrast of Characters

Children like to make good grades. Scouts like to earn merit badges. Athletes proudly wear their letter jackets. Employees like to receive bonuses. We all like receiving credit where credit is due.

But when we give ourselves credit where it is not due, it has a hollow ring to it. Consider such a man in Luke 18:10-12. "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a publican [tax collector]. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." He was certainly impressed with himself and pleased with his accomplishments.

On the other hand, consider the publican with whom he contrasted himself. "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (18:13). He made no false claims for himself. He boasted no self-satisfaction. Instead he recognized his own unworthiness. In fact, his only plea was the mercy of God. It is likely that his thought was of the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies where the blood of the Passover lamb was applied by the High Priest once a year.

Most readers of such a contrast of characters would side with the upright Pharisee and give him points for a good life. Those same people would likely condemn the publican, for he must be really bad since he was willing to confess his failures to this extent.

However, Jesus passes the true and divine judgment of the two. "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (18:14).

Self-righteousness, based upon good works, never counts with God. He tells us that our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in His sight. Such boasting will bring humiliation at God’s judgment throne and the terrors of hell forever.

On the other hand, an open acknowledgment of helpless sinfulness brings God to the rescue of the sinner. As the publican appealed the mercy seat and its sacrificial blood, God justified the believing sinner and sent him on his way rejoicing. As we today appeal the blood of Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of the Passover lamb, God justifies the believing sinner and sends him on his way rejoicing.

So, are you like the Pharisee or the publican? Will you boast of your works or confess your sinfulness? Will you trust your record or plead the mercy of God and claim the efficacy of the blood of Christ? Just remember, God knows your heart and so He knows what you are. Be honest with yourself and with Him. Trust Christ and live.