Pharisees and Tax Collectors

Today's Gospel text was from Luke 18 (9-14, to be exact) - the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I think this text can be interpreted in many different ways. The classic interpretation is about humility. Yes, I think that's true - it's about humility. Our Christian formation lessons interpreted the text to say that everyone is equal, because God hears our prayers equally. My interpretation was a different spin.

We're all Pharisees - trying to make a list and check it twice. When you read the text, you see this Pharisee's list: "I fast twice a week, give a tenth of my income..." If I just do that, then I have followed the rules, and that justifies my relationship with God. The tax collector is us, too - because every day, we need to realize our sinfulness, repent, and put ourselves right with God again. In all times and circumstances, we can be the Pharisee, the tax collector, or both.

As I pointed out in my sermon - the Pharisee is concerned about getting it right; the tax collector is concerned about relationship. People who want to simply show up to worship and put a check in the plate are concerned about getting it right, and checking off their list. We have accomplished what God wanted us to do. We've followed the rules. We've done our duty. Unfortunately, one can be extraordinarily involved in the church - come to every Bible study, participate in every mission project, and more - and still be following the rules. Rules do not equate a relationship.

I think, so often, we forget that life is not about rules, but about relationship. This idea is true for so many aspects of our lives. Take the upcoming election, for instance. Is it more important for our ideologies about candidates, political parties, and way of thinking be right, or is it more important to be in relationship with people? Let's look at the text: who does Jesus say is justified? It's the one who humbled himself to be in relationship with God. Relationship always triumphs over right-ness.

The Pharisees and the tax collectors have been around us for centuries. At times, we've been one or the other - or both. But God keeps pouring out grace upon grace - so that whether we are a tax collector or a Pharisee - we can grow our relationship with God in love.