Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Jesus often spoke in parables to make clear points; in the Gospel of Luke he compares a tax collector and a Pharisee. Most of us think negatively of both individuals. We are tempted to think the tax collector is like an IRS auditor today. Such a comparison isn’t even close. Tax collectors then were far worse. They collected money for the King and often over charged, keeping the increase for themselves. Those shysters! A Pharisee, on the other hand, was seen in that culture as an upright and religious person, who often gave 10% to the local temple.
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—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 all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” (Luke 18:9-14).
Jesus in essence is saying be careful against a self-righteous attitude. Doing “good things” isn’t the key to being in right standing with God. Pastor Timothy Keller says, “Generosity goes deeper than money alone.” The Pharisee was technically generous, for he gave of his earnings and time. But he was over proud of his religious actions and looked down on others.
One can give and still miss the mark of true generosity, especially when holding back in other areas of life. Generosity can be measured in other forms. Some include the emotional or personal bond we develop with others that come into our daily life. Hospitality is another form that can be overlooked. Keller notes that, “The source of radical generosity is not the purse but the heart.” This was Jesus Christ’s point about the two men. Shockingly, the man seen “worst” off by most was viewed positively by Jesus. Why? He was humbled and recognized his need for God.
Jesus wanted his listeners to understand that true generosity isn’t about good behavior or deeds, it’s about the deeper matters of our heart. We should never rely on our goodness to be seen right in the eyes of God. Jesus’s story and its simplicity helps us fine tune our attitude. Have a great week.
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