Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.—Luke 18:9-14, NIV So which one am I. Before I answer that question it is important to understand how life was in the days of the New Testament. The Pharisees were respected by the general public and highly regarded. The Pharisees flourished during the second temple era roughly 536 BC – 70 AD. They were eclectic and popular as one of the four “schools of thought” (social groups, or movements) described by Josephus the Jewish-Roman historian. The Pharisees were considered holy and righteous by the general public. The word pharisee comes from the hebrew word parush which means “seperated”, that is one who is seperated for a life of purity (Ernest Klein,Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language). Ok so we understand a little about the Pharisees. How about the Tax Collector? Tax Collectors worked for the Roman government. They worked on a commission basis. Whatever they collected above and beyond the amount due to the government was theirs to keep. Everyone feared the tax collectors. They were considered the most disgusting of sinners. Despised by everyone as they employed dispicable tactics with the support of legionnaires. Now the parable begins to take shape. As I look around today I wonder are we Pharisees? Are we more concerned about the “Law” and the appearance of christianity then actually heading the real gospel message. We sit in our churches behind our walls comfortable with the mere appearance of christianity. We hide behind the cross confident in our salvation. We sit in our comfortable pews, criticizing the sermon, complaining about the music. I once had a very Pentecostal pastor ask me “Has anyone ever said anything about your earrings?” ”My mom” I replied. He then preceded to tell me I could not be anointed unless I take them out. Are you kidding me? No wonder church attendance is declining across the country. While all the while there are those around us in despair. What are we doing to reach out? How are we making a difference in our world, in our community. Isn’t that what christ was all about. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34
The fact that you would even question which one you are, makes you the collector. We all sin, wether we think we do or not. The fact that you have enough conviction to question your place, puts you with the humble. IMHO