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Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

12/11/2020

Parables are used when trying to communicate something unknown or difficult. The use of a parable allows the listener to enter into the drama themselves and evaluate how they might behave or with whom they identify.

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a masterful piece of storytelling as it causes all of us to react in a particular manner. Using this parable, Jesus challenges us all to examine our capacity to judge those around us.

The parable's setting is specific to a first-century Jewish audience who could have easily placed themselves into the drama.

It is set at the sacrifice (tamid) that occurred daily at 3 PM at the temple in Jerusalem. This sacrifice was significant in the faith of all Jews, whether in Israel or throughout the diaspora.

The daily afternoon sacrifice also becomes a key theme throughout Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts.

Join me as we explore the many details of this incredible parable and how it still speaks to the deepest part of our humanity today.

To help you with your studies, please see the lesson plan below:

parable_pharisee_and_tax_collector_lesson_plan.pdf
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Teacher

Scott Broberg - I have a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Bethel Seminary - San Diego.

The focus of my studies was twofold:

First, Biblical Studies with an emphasis on the Old Testament (different from theological studies - here is a great article explaining). I love the culture, language, and history that culminates in each biblical story.

The foundation of Jesus' world is the Hebrew Bible. Everything he teaches and does is connected to the only "text" of his day. Jesus did not have a New Testament. Neither did the disciples. The more you understand the Hebrew Bible, the more you will appreciate the New Testament.

The second is Spiritual Growth or Spiritual Formation. What does it mean to be a human within God's creation, and how do we grow and change to be more like what God intended us to be?

The spiritual journey is a journey of a lifetime. It is the most challenging and rewarding thing you can do. It takes tremendous courage to face ourselves and our limitations in an effort to grow. It is THE Critical Journey.