“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ — Luke 18:10-12
When you read this parable, do you picture just two men in the scene? I have. In my mind, there may have been a few people milling about in the distance, but the Temple was as quiet as the sanctuary of a Protestant church on a Tuesday morning. The number of people in my vision was never focused until I read commentary from Kenneth E. Bailey. In Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes: A Literary-Cultural Approach to the Parables in Luke (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), Bailey suggests this prayerful event may have taken place among a full crowd. In the public worship services at the Temple, Bailey mentions that atonement sacrifices are offered twice a day.
I wonder how often we stand alone when boasting (even to ourselves). Conversation unfolds about how good we are. This usually tag teams with self-talk about how much we deserve such and such.
When we catch ourselves on the entitlement wagon, and we do get ruffled now and again (Ah, hey! That’s mine!), let’s picture something else in our mind. Let’s envision this crowd Bailey suggests. Who is important in your next self-imposed tiff, and do you need to stay by yourself in all of this?
I didn’t have Bailey’s insight about public worship services until I read his work. Let’s keep reading Jesus’ words—his parables in particular—so that we are reminded that it is really, truly and completely never about us.
Amen?
Prayer: The entitlement wagon? What? Lord, I didn’t know there was such a thing. Well, now, hmm... since it’s been mentioned, I am grateful that wagon comes to a full stop. Amen