Christian Publishing House Blog

By Kieran Beville

In the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk. 18:9-14), we see two different kinds of men, two different approaches to God and two different outcomes. It is an ancient message, which demands modern application. It has to be taken out of the “then and there” and applied to the “here and now.” It also needs to be taken out of the “THEM and there” and applied to “US and now.”

This parable tells us something about the right and wrong way to approach God. The Pharisee is a religious man who is unaware of his need for mercy. He belonged to an elitist group of experts in Judaic law. They were the theologians of their day. As custodians of truth, they corrupted it by adding man-made regulations which became burdensome traditions imposed on people. Pharisees were the strictest sect of the day. They took pride in their piety and privileged position. They were prejudiced against Gentiles and Hebrew sinners.

Unaware of His Unworthiness

We encounter this Pharisee praying in the temple but he seems completely unaware of his unworthiness. His greatest need is for mercy but he is ignorant of it as he prays about himself in what is an exercise in public self-congratulation. This man’s approach to God contrasts with that of Isaiah, “Woe is me! For I am lost.” (Isa. 6:5) Isaiah was acutely aware of his sinful condition in the presence of the holy God. However, this man recited the good things he does and the bad things he abstains from doing. His is a misplaced confidence in self-righteousness. God despises every manifestation of hypocrisy but rewards humility.

Sacrifice

If what the Pharisee said was true, there was some degree of sacrifice in his religious observance. He did not steal (he said) but was he not at that very moment robbing God of the honor due to him? He says he does not commit adultery, but Christ taught that to look at a woman with lust was adulterous. How pure can any man’s heart be in this regard? He says he is not an evildoer, but Scripture teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) He says that he fasts twice a week and gives a tenth of all he gets. However, this sacrifice is offered to God in order to gain merit and so his approach is fatally flawed.

Sincerity

There is also a degree of sincerity in his religion but he is sincerely wrong in his approach to God. This is true of much religion today that is characterized by sacrifice and sincerity. He expresses contempt rather than concern for the tax collector. This lack of compassion is contrary to the heart of God. The Lord is: “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Ex. 34:6-7) The Pharisee compares himself, by contrast, to a sinful wretch. He did not compare himself to one of the great holy men of the Old Testament (even though they were all sinners) as this would have shown him in a less favorable light. His prayer was nothing more than a form of self-deception. We must beware that we do not engage in prayer in an unworthy manner.

Many people today console themselves that they are not as bad as so-and-so. He has had an affair but I have been faithful to my wife. He has stolen things from work but I have been honest. He does not go to church but I always attend Sunday services. He does not give money to charity but I am on the charity committee and I tithe a tenth. He drinks alcohol but I abstain. He smokes and uses coarse language but I abstain from these. What the Pharisee did and abstained from doing was appropriate but not as a package offered to God to earn merit toward justification. Isaiah says, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” (Isa. 64:6) This being so, what are our sins like?

True Standard

In weights and measures, there are true standards by which we make judgments about the value of things, such as 2 kilos of sugar, 1 acre of farmland or a square meter of carpet. Imagine carpeting your home by guessing the length and width of the rooms. It cannot be a matter of speculation. A measuring tape is required to identify precise dimensions. In evaluating our righteousness there is also a true standard; that standard is Jesus. There is no other standard. When measured against him we become conscious of our own unworthiness and our need for mercy. Our religion must be characterized by compassion for sinners and our concern should be evident in our prayers. In practice, people need to feel welcome rather than labeled, despised, excluded and rejected. We are mere beggars telling other beggars where to find the bread of life.

Real Encounters with God

Real encounters with God are life transforming. They may not be dramatic, but they move us closer to the mind and heart of God. The Pharisee went to a good place; the temple and for a good reason, to pray. Many religious people today go to special buildings to pray but leave those places without having met with God. They are coming to God on their own terms seeking meritorious favor for their acts of righteousness and are ignorant of their greatest need, for mercy.

However, there is another man in this parable, a tax collector. First-century tax collectors in Palestine were generally ruthless, as one would have to be to collect tax for the Roman occupying power. Their work involved other unpleasant duties such as repossessions, evictions, and imprisoning poor defaulters. Many of them were extortionists who demanded more than was due, thus making their living by keeping the surplus. Many of them sub-contracted their duties to others and became rich by obtaining a percentage from each of their sub-contractors. Thus unfortunate debtors often had to pay exorbitant additions to what they owed. Contractors would frequently engage sub-contractors from the localities where debtors lived. This local information helped contractors but made the tax collector a detested traitor and instrument of oppression. However, this tax collector found favor with God because God seeks humility in all our approaches to him. In an age when self-esteem is highly valued, we need reminding that Jesus preached, “Blessed are the meek.”―Matthew 5:5.

Pharisees taught their students not to associate with tax collectors because they were often in contact with Gentiles and worked on the Sabbath. This made them ritually unclean. This is one reason why they despised Jesus. This tax collector stood at a distance. This signifies that he was conscious of his unworthiness and sinful condition and equally aware that God is holy. He stood at a distance because he recognized the immense distance between himself and God. He does not dare to look upward because he is ashamed of himself. His prayer was simple, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” He acknowledges his need for mercy. The Pharisee advertised his merit but the publican agonized for mercy and the outcome for both was completely different.

Spurgeon said, “The publican was the best theologian ~ for he prays like David of old.” The events, which inspired David’s great penitential prayer (Ps. 51), are adultery and murder. He gratified his lust by committing adultery with Bathsheba. He arranged the killing of her husband, Uriah, who was a loyal and able warrior in the King’s army. Thus we read these words, straight from the broken heart of God’s anointed servant who had sinned and is now sorrowing: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” (Ps. 51:1) In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Jesus sums up the message, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”―Luke 9:14.

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…Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as to ignore them will result in all manner of erroneous assumptions. Beville presents …

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IN CONTEMPORARY CULTURE: Evangelism and Engagement with Postmodern People

Once upon a time, Postmodernism was a buzz word. It pronounced Modernism dead or at least in the throes of death. It was a wave that swept over Christendom, promising to wash away sterile, dogmatic and outmoded forms of church. But whatever happened to postmodernism? It was regarded …

DEVELOPING HEALTHY CHURCHES: A Case-Study in Revelation

…church. It offers an appointment with the Great Physician that no Christian can afford to ignore. Developing Healthy Churches: A Case-Study in Revelationbegins with a well-researched outline of the origins and development of the church health movement. With that background in mind the …

DYING TO KILL: A Christian Perspective on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

…liberties in a multi-cultural society that is becoming increasingly secular. This work provides an ethical framework in which euthanasia and assisted suicide can be evaluated. These issues are on the radar indicating a collision course with Christian values. It is time for Christians to be …

JOURNEY WITH JESUS THROUGH THE MESSAGE OF MARK

…Journey with Jesus through the Message of Mark is an insightful and engaging survey of Mark‘s Gospel, exploring each major section of the text along with key themes. It is a work that can be enjoyed by laypersons as well as pastors and teachers. Pastors will find the abundant use …

ANGELS & DEMONS The Bible Answers

What are angels & demons? Can angels help us? What does the Bible say about angels? What is the truth about angels? Can Angels affect your life? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:2? Who is Michael the archangel? Can Satan the Devil control …

AN ENCOURAGING THOUGHT The Christian Worldview

An Encouraging Thought elucidates the ways in which Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are informed by and communicate a biblical worldview. This book will help readers appreciate the ways in which a biblical worldview informs Tolkien’s work, to the end that their own faith may be confirmed in strength, focused in understanding, deepened in joy, and honed in its ability to communicate the Gospel.

Bible Doctrines

WHERE ARE THE DEAD? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What is the Bible’s viewpoint? Without delving into an endless stream of what man has said, Andrews looks at what the Bible says about death and the like. Why do we grow old and die? What happens at death? Is there life after death, or is this all there is? Do we have an immortal soul? …

IDENTIFYING THE ANTICHRIST: The Man of Lawlessness and the Mark of the Beast Revealed

Herein Andrews will give the reader exactly what the Bible offers on exposing who the Antichrist and the Man of Lawlessness are. If we look at the texts that refer to the antichrist and the man of lawlessness, we will have lines of evidence that will enable us to identify them. Why is it …

UNDERSTANDING THE CREATION ACCOUNT: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Throughout the Scriptures, God is identified as the Creator. He is the One “who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it.” [Isa 45:18] He is the One “who forms mountains and creates the wind” (Am 4:13) and is the One “who made the heaven and …

The SECOND COMING of CHRIST: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

The information herein is based on the disciples coming to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming, and (3) of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) What will end? When will the end come? What comes after the end? Who …

WHAT IS HELL? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What Really Is Hell? What Kind of Place is Hell? What Really Happens at Death? What Did Jesus Teach About Hell? How Does Learning the Truth About Hell Affect You? Who Goes to Hell? What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment? Does God Punish People in Hellfire? Do the Wicked Suffer in …

MIRACLES – DO THEY STILL HAPPEN TODAY? God Miraculously Saving People’s Lives, Apparitions, Speaking In Tongues, Faith Healing 

Miracles were certainly a part of certain periods in Bible times. What about today? Are miracles still taking place. There are some very important subjects that surround this area of discussion that are often misunderstood. Andrews will answer such questions as does God step in and solve …

HOMOSEXUALITY – The BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Today there are many questions about homosexuality as it relates to the Bible and Christians. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Does genetics, environment, or traumatic life experiences justify homosexuality? What is God’s will for people with same-sex attractions? Does the …

Daily Devotionals

DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS: Growing Up In Christ

Young ones and teens, you are exposed to complex problems that your parents may not understand. Young Christians, you are bombarded with multiple options for solving everyday problems through social media. Where do you turn to find answers? Where can you look to find guidance from Scripture? In order to provide a Christian perspective to problem-solving, the author of this devotional book decided to take a different approach.

DEVOTIONAL FOR THOSE COPING WITH TRAGEDY: A Journey Back to God

This devotional book follows the author’s own faith journey back to God. Significant life events can shake our world and distort our faith. Following life’s tragedies, a common reaction is to become angry with God or to reject Him altogether. Examples of tragedies or traumas include life-changing events such as physical or sexual assault, destruction of one’s home, the tragic death of a loved one, diagnoses of terminal diseases, divorce, miscarriages, or being a victim of a crime. Tragedies or traumas can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt.

DEVOTIONAL FOR CAREGIVERS: Finding Strength Through Faith 

Throughout the book, common themes emerge to support caregivers. The reader will find interesting Bible Scriptures, offering a Christian perspective, for handling issues that may arise. These inspiring passages will assist the caregiver in finding peace and faith as they travel their journey as a caregiver. Although caregivers may not know how long they will play this role, they take on the responsibility without any question. Taking care of others is often mentioned in the Bible and, as noted in this devotional, this self-sacrificing, highly valued, and often challenging service will ultimately be rewarded.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL Daily Musings From the Old Testament

Humans must breathe in the air of our atmosphere to survive. Many cities because of pollution face a dangerous level of contamination in their air. However, an even more deadly air affects both Christians and nonChristians. Ordinary methods or devices cannot detect this poisonous air.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Daily Musing From the New Testament

Paul counseled, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:2) It is, for this reason, Marshall has penned the DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Daily Musings From the New Testament, which can help us be protected against Satan’s efforts at controlling our mind and heart.  For each day of the year, DAILY DEVOTIONAL provides a Daily Bible Reading and comments for consideration.

BREAD OF HEAVEN: Daily Meditations on Scripture

BREAD OF HEAVEN helps the reader to have a greater understanding of the timeless truths of Scripture and a deeper appreciation of the grandeur of God. It offers meditations on selected Scriptures which will draw the reader’s attention upwards to the Savior.

Christian Fiction

THE DIARY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT: How to Keep Jesus at Arm’s Length

…desert but none of such significance as a handful of scrolls retrieved from a buried Roman satchel (presumed stolen) at this site. The discovery has since come to be known as ‘The Diary of Judas Iscariot.’ In The Diary of JudasIscariot Owen Batstone relates the observations and feelings …

THE SECRET HIDEAWAY ON BRIDGETON HILL

Rachael Garrison knows all the shrewd ways to successfully close multi-million-dollar real estate deals with her father’s famous New York real estate enterprise. But beyond her savvy to rake in huge deals is her premonition that an impending global takeover of the world’s financial wealth is on the horizon by evil leaders of The Great Ten Nations. From New York City to the Irish Hills of Michigan, and into the streets of Detroit her life takes on enormous purpose as

THE RAPTURE: God’s Unwelcomed Wrath

Kevin Trill struggles with the notion that he may have missed the Rapture. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a solid gold pocket watch, he sets off towards Garbor, a safe haven for those who haven’t yet taken the mark of thebeast. While on his way to Garbor, he meets up …

SEEKERS AND DECEIVERS: Which One are You? It Is Time to Join the Fight!

There grew an element in the valley that did not want to be ruled by the Light of the Word. Over time, they convinced the people to reject it. As they started to reject this Light, the valley grew dim and the fog rolled in. The people craved the darkness rather than the Light because they were evil. They did not want to  …

The Shadow Flames of Uluru: Book ONE in the CHAOS DOWN UNDER 

When an ancestor saddles them with the responsibility to purge Australia of a demon threatening to wipe our humanity with black flames, fraternal siblings Amber and Michael Hauksby lay their lives on the line. As the world crumbles around them into chaos, and ancient marsupials wreak havoc in their hometown, they must journey into …

WRITE PLACE, RIGHT TIME: The Pre-Apocalyptic Misadventure of a Freelance Journalist 

“Write Place, Right Time” follows the pre-apocalyptic misadventures of freelance journalist Don Lamplighter. While on what he expects to be a routine Monday night trip to a village board meeting, Lamplighter’s good nature compels him to help a stranded vehicle. Little does he know that by saving one of the car’s occupants, he sets forth a chain of what to him seem to be unrelated events where he must use his physical and social skills to save himself and others from precarious situations.