Rev. Gail Paige Bowman – Luke 18:9-14 – October 24th 2010
Comments (0) The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Introduction:
Have you ever had a time when you were convinced you were right about something and then found out later you weren’t? What was it like?
Are you someone who compares himself/herself to others? How?
What do your prayers most often consist of (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, asking for something for yourself or others)?
Observation:
To whom does Jesus tell this parable (v. 9)?
Who are the two individuals in this parable? How would society have treated them?
What are the elements of the Pharisee’s prayer? What are the elements of the tax collector’s prayer?
Interpretation:
What do you think were the reactions to this parable? From the Pharisees? From the tax collectors and “sinners”?
Why is the tax collector “justified”? Explore the legal ramifications of this term.
If the tax collector is justified, what is the state of the Pharisee?
Application:
Who would Jesus tell this parable to today? What characters would he use?
What has the state of your heart been as you pray? What difference is this parable going to make in your prayer life? In how you treat others?
How is God working on your humility?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Rev. Gail Bowman Hebrews Chapter 2.
Themocracy