Theme: Pride

The Pharisee and the Publican

When Jesus incarnated here on Earth, He was born among the Hebrew people.

Among the Hebrews were the Pharisees, who were devoted to religion, but more concerned with ceremonies and rituals than with being truly good. By keeping the rules right, the Pharisees were proud. They thought themselves better than the others.

At that time there were many wars between the peoples of the region. One wanted to dominate the other to make them a slave or steal his riches.

The Hebrew people had been dominated by the Roman people but were not enslaved. The Romans let them live as before, working and having their religion. Only from time to time the Hebrews were forced to give enough money to the Romans.

This money was called tax, and the tax collectors were the Publicans.

No one liked to pay those taxes, so no one liked Publicans either.

Many tax collectors were wealthy, and that increased the anger that the Hebrews felt for  them, because they said tax collectors got rich by taking money unfairly.

Jesus, who lived with these people and taught the laws of God, once told a story to his followers called the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.

The Parable says:

“Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee went up front near the altar and prayed aloud for other people to hear:

- I thank you, my God, because I am not like other men who are thieves, liars, or sinners. I am very good! I do the things of religion, like praying, fasting, and tithing everything I earn. Nor am I like this Publican, who is a sinner. I'm much better than him!

The Publican did the opposite. There praying, talking to God, he knelt down and beating his chest, just said:

- My God have mercy on me, I did something wrong and I'm very sorry!"

After telling this little story, Jesus taught that the Pharisee's prayer did not contain good feelings. Even though he did some right things, his pride in himself made him turn away from the good. If God created everyone and loves everyone equally, no one is better than anyone. The Pharisee had not even realized that he was making this mistake.

Jesus also taught that the Publican's prayer was heard by God. He already knew he had made a mistake and felt bad about it. The publican spoke to God humbly, asking for help. Surely God, who is good, would serve him and give him other opportunities to make up for his mistake and not repeat it anymore.

So, it was only in appearance that the Pharisee was better. In fact, it was only the Publican who came home with a good feeling in his heart.

With this parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, Jesus taught us that it is not pride but humility that draws us closer to God.
 

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com