Connecting Point: Coming Face to Face with Jesus

Most of us remember a time or two when our behavior was haughty and arrogant. Today’s meditation takes aim at the condition of being proud that usually causes such behavior. Again, I’m focusing on Jesus’s parable contrasting the Pharisee and the Tax Collector praying in the temple.

“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 18:13-14).

The Greek text actually uses a very rare term for “mercy” found only one other place in the New Testament. Typically, “mercy” in the Greek is eleos, meaning TO HAVE SYMPATHY. The tax collector’s tone is very different as Jesus states, the Greek term is hilaskomai, meaning “to make up,” propitiation, or atonement. Hebrews 2:17 contains the other

occurrence: “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might BECOME a faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

So we have a humble tax collector who is turning away from greed and seeking mercy. The Pharisee contrast in Jesus’s telling demonstrates clear arrogance, rather like thinking of himself on equal terms with God. He seems to think, “God, you owe me, since I’m so upright.” Author and Pastor Tim Keller says, “The Gospel is: The humble are in--the proud are out,” which perfectly sums up what Jesus was teaching. Jesus stresses the relationship between the healthy choice to approach God humbly,

seeking to make up.

We must tread carefully; there is folly in our methodology of being “good.” Surely, we recognize the danger of being like the Pharisee who trampled over people with his holier-than-thou attitude. On the other hand, danger exists in relying on “good or moral” character.

Remember, Pharisees were Jewish insiders, with positive public support. The positions they sought were steppingstones to power within the church’s structure. Jesus taught that God looks deeper into the motivation of everyone.

Radical generosity comes from a humble heart. The pattern displayed through this moving parable helps us to understand that emptiness of our heart is the key to receiving God’s mercy.

“God have mercy on me, I’m a sinner,” not, “God have mercy on me because I’m good.” Jesus, as the Son of God, the Son of Man, sees a justification in everyone. Jesus leads to a radical new vision about being human: “God, please have mercy on me, a sinner.