Across the Pastor’s Desk

By Rev. Kenneth Jensen, Retired ELCA pastor of Albert Lea

“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home forgiven! For the proud shall be humbled, but the humbled shall be honored.” — Luke 18:14 (LB).

These words were spoken by Jesus at the conclusion of a parable about a Pharisee and a publican (tax collector) who went to the Lord’s house to pray.

The Pharisee represents everything we consider the good and moral thing to do; namely, be faithful in our worship, do what is the right thing to do, and be generous to the needs of the poor. The tax collector was considered an extortionist by his fellow Jews. His wealth was gained at their expense and by being in league with their Roman oppressors. The one was looked up to and respected. The other was looked down upon and despised. How could it be that the “bad” person went home forgiven (justified) and the “good” person did not?

The parable serves as a warning and as an invitation to God’s people. The warning is to those of us who insist upon theological correctness and maintaining specific lifestyles both of which can separate and divide us. We select biblical verses to support our beliefs while ignoring verses which are in tension with what we hold dear. We seek to justify ourselves by disparaging the beliefs and actions of others, ignoring Jesus’ prayer that we might be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:11).

The invitation is to those among us who carry the burden of guilt upon our shoulders. The publican, unlike the Pharisee, made no attempt to justify his lifestyle. He may have been semi-illiterate as to the Word of God. What he did know was that he had stumbled in many ways and for many reasons, but he made no excuses. He only asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner.

God’s invitation is summarized in Romans 10:9. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The past can be erased and hope for the future restored.

For some, their sin is looking down upon others as not measuring up as to whom they should be and how they should live. For others, sin is not measuring up as to whom they should be and how they should live. The parable about a Pharisee and a publican serves as a warning and as an invitation. Both were in need of God’s forgiving grace … and so are we!