Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, publicans, or tax collectors, were often viewed with disdain by the Jewish populace. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers, collecting taxes on behalf of the empire and often accused of extortion and greed. Despite their negative reputation, Jesus Christ used publicans in His teachings to illustrate profound spiritual truths, particularly in the parables.One of the most notable parables concerning a publican is the "Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector," found in Luke 18:9-14. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the attitudes of a Pharisee and a tax collector who both go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire" (Luke 18:11-12). The Pharisee's prayer is self-righteous, focusing on his own perceived moral superiority and religious observance. In stark contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beats his breast and prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). This simple yet profound prayer reflects a deep sense of humility and repentance. Jesus concludes the parable by stating, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). This parable serves as a powerful lesson on the nature of true righteousness and the importance of humility before God. It challenges the prevailing social and religious norms of the time, where publicans were often marginalized and condemned. Jesus' teaching emphasizes that God's grace and justification are available to all who approach Him with a contrite heart, regardless of their social standing or past sins. The parable also highlights the danger of self-righteousness and the false security that can come from external religious observance without genuine repentance. The Pharisee's reliance on his own works and his contempt for others stand in stark contrast to the tax collector's acknowledgment of his need for God's mercy. In the broader context of the Gospels, Jesus' interactions with publicans further illustrate His mission to seek and save the lost. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, much to the chagrin of the religious leaders, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and forgiveness. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector thus encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message: salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith and repentance, not through human merit or status. Nave's Topical Index Luke 18:9-14And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Nave's Topical Index Library The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Call of Levi the Publican Christ in Relation to the Baptist. ... Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. Matt. xxii. 1-14. The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd Matthew xx. 1, and C. The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem The Sermon on the Mount. And when Evening Came, Jesus Went Forth Outside of the City... Resources What is a publican in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org Does salvation affect more than just the afterlife? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Publicans: Change Their Ways Because of the Preaching of John the Baptist Publicans: Chiefs of, Were Very Rich Publicans: Many of Attended the Preaching of Christ Publicans: Many of Believed the Preaching of John Publicans: Many of Embraced the Gospel Publicans: Many of Received John's Baptism Publicans: Matthew the Apostle Was of Publicans: Matthew, the Tax Collector of Capernaum, Becomes an Apostle Publicans: Often Guilty of Extortion Publicans: Often Kind to Their Friends Publicans: Suspected of Extortion Publicans: The Collectors of the Public Taxes Publicans: The Jews: Classed With the Most Infamous Characters Publicans: The Jews: Despised Our Lord for Associating With Publicans: Zacchaeus, Chief Among, Receives Jesus Into his House Related Terms |
    |