Sometimes we listen to the teaching
stories of Jesus and are tempted to think, “This is too easy, right? I know
exactly what the point of this story is — it’s so obvious.”
Sometimes the stories seem so
simple. Today we hear Jesus describing two men who at first glance appear to be
a clear example of a good guy and a bad guy. There seems to be no question
about whom we’re supposed to like, whom we should root for and who is the hero
of the story.
We may need to listen to the story
more than once or take the time to consider the intricacies of what Jesus is
saying in order to appreciate Jesus’ skill as a storyteller and teacher, but
still, it doesn’t seem that hard.
Real characters
We are told that Jesus tells this
story to “some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
others with contempt.” With this in mind, the Pharisee’s actions and words make
him the obvious fall guy. He is loud, arrogant and too sure of himself. We hear
his self-satisfied prayer: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people:
thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a
week; I give a tenth of all my income.”
It’s easy to shudder when we hear
these callous words. But here’s the catch: with these simple words, Jesus has
drawn us into the story. It is tempting to think, “I am so glad I am nothing
like that Pharisee and don’t offer conceited prayers like that. Praise God that
I don’t think as highly of myself as he does.” When we start thinking like
that, we sound suspiciously like ... the Pharisee. Without offering any
explanations, Jesus has made his point. It is too easy to belittle others with
our thoughts and actions while thinking too highly of ourselves.
Then there is the tax collector. It’s
tempting to transform him into a Disney-type character who is humble and down
on his luck, and who won’t even look up at God. We assume that we should be
cheering him on as the “good guy” in the story.
But here is where the story gets
tricky — again.
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