The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Lk. 18:9-14. This parable is told for the benefit of those who: Trusted in themselves. They were righteous. They despised others. In other words they relied on their own ability to gain salvation and they despised those who they saw as being unable to do the same like the tax collectors. Do we have these types of people today? We see the Pharisees as self-righteous hypocrites. We have the benefit of history. Hey were, however, held in reasonably high regard while the tax collector was despised. After all he worked for the occupying force, the Romans, collecting taxes for them along with a bit extra for themselves. But no one knew just how much extra! While the Pharisee addresses God his thoughts are much more focused on himself. He thanks God that he is not unjust, an extortioner, unjust or an adulterer. While in the area of tithing and fasting he does more than the law requires. He was required to fast one day a week and pay his tithe post tax rather than pre tax as he does. There is nothing for which he relies on God. His objective is to impress God with his own goodness rather than seek any kind of mercy or forgiveness. He sees himself as a superior being in a position to despise people like the tax collector. Comparing ourselves with others is not the way forward. The tax collector, on the other hand, immediately recognises his own sinfulness and that this can only be dealt with by Gods mercy. He simply pleads with God for mercy. The body language of both men says almost as much as their words! Vs. 11,13. Does it matter what position or posture we adopt when we pray? The audience, listening to this parable, would be surprised at the ending. Are you? The good living, charitable members of society are usually expected to be ok with God, but are they? While those who are obviously disobeying God [who are they today?] are seen as beyond reach, beyond salvation. But then, we don’t see into the heart. We don’t know the turmoil that is going on inside the heart of one who wants to get things sorted out with God. Thankfully God does! So it is the tax collector that goes home justified and the tax collector? Well, he is still a good living, charitable man who sees himself as being superior to the sinners of society. In other words no change! When we truly communicate with God we can expect change. Are we prepared for it?