Luke 18:9-14

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."

Which parable is this text taken from?
From the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Who were the Pharisees?
A group of Jews who wanted separation from the Roman government, and were very strict about religious traditions.
Why does the Lord use a tax collector as an opposite?
The tax collectors were regarded as collaborators with the foreign, Roman government, and had the freedom to oppress the people by demanding too much tax, which they kept.
Whom was this parable addressed?
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else." Verse 9
Where did the two men go?
Into the temple.
Why did they go into the temple?
They went into the temple to pray.

How is the praying Pharisee described?
He was in the temple as if he owned the place - with outstretched hands and eyes looking up, he prayed aloud.
How is the praying tax collector described?
He stood far off, he didn't dare to look up etc., he was sorry for his behavior.
What does the attitude of the tax collector imply?
That he recognized that he had very little reason to mingle with other worshippers.

What was the prayer of the tax collector?
"God have mercy on me, a sinner"
What does it mean to ask for mercy?
To recognize the wretched state in which you are, and to ask for a favor.
What does this prayer teach us about God's relationship with people?
If we have offended God, we stand in need of God's favor if we want to approach God.
How did the Jews in general look for mercy?
By offering a sacrifice (a sheep, bull etc) as an atonement for sins.
On what ground do we receive mercy from God?
On the ground that the Lord Jesus suffered for our sins.
For whom did the tax collector ask mercy?
For himself.
What does this teach us?
That our prayers should be personal - a direct approach for our own needs.
How did the tax collector describe himself?
As a sinner.

What was the outcome of this prayer?
The tax collector went home justified before God.
What is the meaning of justified?
He was treated by God as if he never committed any sins.
Why did the Pharisee miss justification?
Because he thought that he was good, he didn't need to ask for mercy.
What mistake did the Pharisee make?
He trusted in his own righteousness, he didn't really understand God's requirements for people.
On what grounds did he try to stand before God?
On the ground that he (thought he) did more than God required of him.
How then can we be justified?
Justification is free, received in faith from God, and not merited by any of our own good works. We have to come as sinners and confess our wretched state to God.

Adapted from:
"The one hundred texts of the society for Irish Church Missions."
T.C. Hammond, Dublin. 1939