A vast empty paved courtyard with monumental steps, crossed by long shadows in late afternoon light.
Back to Wisdom

Biblical Wisdom

Two Men, One Temple

Everything the Pharisee says about himself may well be true.

By EmberKeeper Editorial 1 min read

Scripture Luke 18:9–14

Luke tells you the target before the parable starts. Jesus told this one to people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else.

The Pharisee’s prayer is not a lie. He probably does fast twice a week. He probably does tithe on everything. Every claim he makes about himself may well be true.

That is what makes it uncomfortable. Dishonesty is not his problem. He has made himself the measure, and the measure only works when somebody is standing below him.

The other man will not raise his eyes. He asks for mercy and nothing else.

One of them goes home right with God, and it is not the one with the better record.

  • Sermon Outline

    The Man Who Had No One to Talk To

    A farmer has a good year and plans the rest of his life in a conversation with himself. In three verses he says "I" eight times and finds no one else to consult.

    7 min read

  • Biblical Wisdom

    More Than Watchmen

    Hebrew repeats for emphasis. This one sounds like a man who has run out of other words.

    1 min read