Thematic Selections from the Bible

In the past, the Pharisees were people who followed a strict set of rules. They were disciplined, and created rules to follow the law seriously, to the extent where they would not even climb stairs on the Sabbath, to avoid doing work!

We too have our own set of rules that we have created. From rules to wearing head covering, wearing clothes that covered all parts of our body, abstaining from alcoholic drink and meat, etc. All these rules aren’t necessary, but come from a desire to be ‘absolutely sure’ that God will be pleased. This is good, of course. But this becomes a problem when it gives rise to self righteousness.

An example would be when a faithful, righteous Christian tends to look down a punk rocker, with all his body piercings. Or that pregnant teenager, or that poor, homeless person in church who might just steal your wallet when you were not looking. This is exactly what Jesus spoke of. That we should not be too caught up in being proud of what we were doing right, to the point where we forget to humble ourselves before God, remembering that we, too, sin and make mistakes.

Lk 18:10-14

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 the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.

13 But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.

14 I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.