The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is found in the book of Luke 18:9-14, we are going to learn why God accepted one and not the other.
This parable was told by Jesus directly to the people who were trusting on their good works to make themselves right with God. These where people who did alot of good deeds, they were legends, known by many for their works, they received so many praises from men, so they thought they would also receive praise from God.
Proverbs 14:12 KJV
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
The mistake these set of people made was looking at things from man's point of view and perspective instead of God. Jesus had actually met people like this before
Luke 16:15 KJV
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
These two prayers we are going to look into was done by the best and worst the society had to offer as at that time. The Pharisees and the tax collector.
As at then the Pharisees where known for being one of the most elite in the society, they were known for their knowledge and understanding, they were known as leaders,they were a sect of Judaism, their name it self meaning " seperate " they lived a life that was seperate form others by strictly following the law. They belived in many of the things we Christians today belive in,such as the resurrection of the dead, future rewards for the good and punishment for the bad, they belived in angels and demons and even on the books that made up the Old Testament.
Whereas the tax collectors are one of the most hated in the society, they were seen as thieves, who used the money of others to better their lives, they were seen as the devils spawn. They worked for Rome, at a time were the Romans and the Jews never got along, the Jews hated the Roman's because they never paid their own tax, they divided their Roman empire into districts and sold the right to collect tax in each district. Tax collectors were often Jews, therefore they were seen by other jews as traiotrs because they served Rome. Another major reason for the tax collectors to be so hated is because they made their money from collecting double from their fellow Jew. They were known for their greed and most jew would call it, they were doing a shameful business.
To be Continued ...
The truth is that God al ays looks at the heart of a man, cause everyone is defined by their thoughts.