The Paradox of Relationship

Luke 18:9-14 KJVS And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Paradox defined is a situation, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.

There could not be a more paradoxical episode than two people attempting the same act with possibly the same objective with such contrasting methods and outcomes.

This parable all others proposes a central thought.

“Our relationship with God and His response to us is solely based on our humility and openness before Him”

The first character is the Pharisee

• He is one who knows the law and prides himself in its practice.

• He was seen as one who was very close to God by the society and respected as that.

• He was an example and dream of most of society.

• He had special access to the temple.

• Their spiritual acts were deliberately public and attention seeking.

Paradox - The most famous Pharisee is the great apostle Paul

Acts 23:6 KJVS But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Philippians 3:5-6 KJVS Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Acts 26:5 KJVS Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

What we can see from the life of Paul is sincere and passionate in His error and committed to it.

Paradox - Publican was the tax collector of the day

• Politically, regarded as a traitor to the Jewish people.

• Socially, an outcast of society. The lowest form of a human.

• Religiously, excommunicated and viewed as beyond redemption.

Paradox - These two men now have a desire to come to God.

• One comes out of religious duty (prayed with himself) and the other out of a need for mercy (God be merciful to me a sinner).

• One comes out of the desire to praise himself but the other to present himself before God.

• One called on God to validate his claim of righteousness the other called on God to deliver him from his poor state.

• One goes to his appointed place of prayer but the other goes as far as his status will allow him (stood afar off).

• One had the possibility of getting even closer as he is elevated in his religious position, the other is stuck at that distance for life.

• One spoke with arrogant confidence to impress the other smote his chest repeatedly to confess.

1. Human access does not equate to spiritual access.

2. Religion compares but spirituality confesses.

3. Self righteousness is a dangerous illusion of spiritual relationship

4. Regardless of our sense of entitlement and self righteousness God is not moved.

5. God will respond to your humble desperate cry and not a proud comparative rant.

6. Call out to God from where you are and in the condition you are.

The paradox - Two men, one exercise, different results.

This is exactly the reason Jesus came. He came to reach those who by every other matrix cannot come close but He has drawn near.

He went away justified (rendered, declared or exhibited to be righteous)

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