Polar Opposites

Text: Luke 18:9-14

What a combination--great self-confidence and scorn for others. We usually call it by a single name: arrogance. In certain circles it is viewed, at least potentially, as something positive. In business, especially where the rough and tumble approach is assumed; in highly competitive sports. But there are far more places and contexts in which such arrogance is neither desired nor tolerable. Surely, standing before God is the most prominent of such places.

Today's text is a classic one in refuting any notion of works-based righteousness before God. The contrast between the two individuals is deliberately stated: Pharisee v. tax collector; morally upright v. compromising; learned in the scriptures and the laws derived therefrom v. versed in Roman tax regulations and how to profit therefrom; high public esteem v. scorn shared by all.

But it's a corresponding set of attributes Jesus is interested in: proud v. humble; righteous in his own eyes v. convicted before God; boldly proclaiming innocence v. shamefully asking for mercy. The final contrast is the most important: unjustified v. justified.

One character I have often pointed to as an example of the due humility of even those privileged to have studied God in depth is a priest in the movie "Rudy," about an under-sized and under-talented, yet highly motivated young man with a dream of playing Notre Dame football. When asked why prayer wasn't being answered, the priest simply responded by saying that after 35 years of studying theology, there were only two things he knew for sure: "There is a God; and I'm not Him." I'm sure the man had other firm convictions; but that was not to the point. He knew he hadn't earned a special status by virtue of his calling and opportunities. Can we likewise look upon ourselves as every bit as needful as the tax collector of the loving grace of God, no matter where we are in life or much has been accomplished in and through us? The test of that lesson is to see everyone else as equally worthy of the same grace, regardless of where they are, needing only to repent. Lord, lead us to assessment that is more than fair--of ourselves and of others.