PRIDE’S DOWNFALL: PHARISEE VS PUBLICAN

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article examines the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican from Luke 18:9-14 in the King James Version, uncovering its teachings on humility, self-righteousness, and God’s mercy, while urging personal reflection and application to foster genuine worship and spiritual growth in the community today.

HEARTS REVEALED!

This article delves into the profound parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14, KJV), exploring its rich layers of meaning through the lens of biblical principles. We will examine the characters, their actions, and the spiritual lessons Christ intended to impart, applying these truths to our lives and the church today. Like a master craftsman meticulously shaping his work, we will carefully consider each facet of this parable to understand its relevance for us. This exploration will be done with the goal of optimizing our understanding and application of this crucial message. This parable is not just a story; it’s a mirror reflecting our own hearts and attitudes toward God. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The parable reveals a deep chasm between outward displays of religiosity and genuine humility before God. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, KJV) and “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “The spirit of the slothful servant we are often fain to call humility. But true humility is widely different. To be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives, shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real humility fulfills God’s purposes by depending upon His strength” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 363, 1900). She also notes, “True humility is always characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity. It will not be ostentatious, bold, or assuming. It is an abiding principle, active and true. It will come to the soul as we come to Christ in contrition and hide in him, receiving his meekness and lowliness of heart” (The Signs of the Times, p. 1, 1893). Are we like the Pharisee, confident in our own righteousness, or like the publican, humbly seeking God’s mercy? What parable did Christ give us in regard to true worship?

CONTRAST CLASH!

The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, found in Luke 18:9-14 (KJV), serves as a stark illustration of true and false worship. “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 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. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 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. 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.” This parable reveals a deep chasm between outward displays of religiosity and genuine humility before God. There are two distinct approaches to worship: one marked by pride and self-righteousness, the other by humility and repentance. This contrast highlights the core principle that true worship originates from a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15, KJV) and “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6, KJV). Sr. White stresses, “True humility is the evidence that we behold God and that we are in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we are meek and lowly we cannot claim that we have any true conception of the character of God” (That I May Know Him, p. 120, 1964). She further explains, “True humility will lead a man to exalt Christ and the truth, and to realize his utter dependence upon the God of truth” (Lift Him Up, p. 279, 1898). It’s not about the words we say, but the condition of our hearts. According to what standard did the Pharisee judge himself?

SELF-DECEPTION STRIKE!

The Pharisee, blinded by self-righteousness, judged himself by a flawed and human-centric standard (Luke 18:11, KJV). “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.” Sr. White explains, “He judges his character, not by the holy character of God, but by the character of other men. His mind is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of his self-satisfaction” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 150, 151). Instead of comparing himself to the perfect standard of God’s holiness, the Pharisee compares himself favorably to others, creating a distorted view of his own righteousness. This flawed comparison breeds a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency, blinding him to his true spiritual condition. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5, KJV) and “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23, KJV). Sr. White warns, “There is nothing so offensive to God, or so dangerous to the human soul, as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 154, 1900). She also states, “Pride and self-sufficiency are particularly abhorrent to God” (The Review and Herald, p. 1, 1897). He has erected a false standard, a flimsy mirror that reflects back only what he wants to see. What does he recount in order to show that he is a righteous man?

BOAST BLAST!

The Pharisee, in his self-deception, recounts his perceived good deeds as evidence of his righteousness (Luke 18:12, KJV). “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Sr. White further clarifies this self-justification: “He proceeds to recount his good deeds… Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others. As the Pharisee judges himself by other men, so he judges other men by himself. His righteousness is estimated by theirs, and the worse they are, the more righteous by contrast he appears. His self-righteousness leads to accusing. ‘Other men’ he condemns as transgressors of God’s law. Thus he is making manifest the very spirit of satan, the accuser of the brethren” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 151). This is a heart focused on outward appearances and self-promotion rather than genuine service and humility. His recital of good deeds becomes a hollow boast, devoid of true spiritual meaning. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (Proverbs 27:2, KJV) and “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16, KJV). Sr. White observes, “The rags of self-righteousness, in which Laodicea is clothed, will never cover the soul’s nakedness before God” (The Review and Herald, p. 1, 1894). She adds, “Self-righteousness is the danger of this age; it separates the soul from Christ” (Faith and Works, p. 36, 1979). It’s like offering God empty shells, devoid of the kernel of true faith and love. In what humble position does the publican appear before God, and what is his prayer?

PLEA POWER!

The publican, recognizing his sinfulness, stands in a humble position and offers a simple yet powerful prayer (Luke 18:13, KJV). “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.” This is a stark contrast to the Pharisee’s self-assured posture. The publican’s physical stance and humble plea, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” demonstrate a genuine recognition of his need for divine grace. He acknowledges his sinfulness and casts himself upon God’s mercy, the only hope for the repentant sinner. This demonstrates a heart broken by sin and yearning for forgiveness. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17, KJV) and “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18, KJV). Sr. White teaches, “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life” (Steps to Christ, p. 23, 1892). She also writes, “The first steps in justification are repentance and faith” (The Signs of the Times, p. 1, 1890). He comes to God empty-handed, with nothing to offer but his broken heart. How did the publican go to his house, and how the Pharisee?

HOMEWARD JUDGMENT!

The parable concludes with a clear distinction between the two men’s spiritual state (Luke 18:14, KJV). “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.” The evidence reveals the ultimate outcome. The publican, humbled before God, receives justification, while the Pharisee, clinging to his pride, remains condemned. The Pharisee’s path home is likely one of continued self-satisfaction. Justification is not earned through outward displays of religiosity but received through humility and faith in God’s mercy. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28, KJV) and “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “Justification by faith is to many a mystery. A sinner is justified by God when he repents of his sins. He sees Jesus upon the cross of Calvary. Why all this suffering? The law of God has been broken. The law of God is binding upon all the intelligent beings” (Faith and Works, p. 18, 1979). She further notes, “The Lord can help the sinner who acknowledges their need for Him” (The Signs of the Times, p. 1, 1892). It’s a gift freely offered to those who recognize their need. What is especially an abomination to God?

POISON PRIDE!

Pride and self-sufficiency are particularly abhorrent to God (Proverbs 16:5, KJV). “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination unto the LORD: though the hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” Sr. White reinforces this truth: “There is nothing so offensive to God, or so dangerous to the human soul, as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 154). It’s a clear picture of God’s aversion to pride. It creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our ability to receive His grace and forgiveness. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, KJV) and “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13, KJV). Sr. White declares, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 39, 1890). She also cautions, “All pride is sin, and must be expelled from the soul” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 1, 1990). Pride is like a thick fog, obscuring our vision of God and our own true selves. When only can the Lord help the sinner, and when is it impossible for Him to do so?

DIVINE AID ALERT!

The Lord can help the sinner who acknowledges their need for Him (Luke 5:31-32, KJV). “And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” It is impossible for God to help those who are self-sufficient and refuse to recognize their sinfulness. There is a vital condition for receiving God’s help. We must come to Him acknowledging our brokenness, like the publican, recognizing that we need His healing touch. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV) and “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, KJV). Sr. White explains, “Repentance is no less the gift of God than are pardon and justification, and it cannot be experienced except as it is given to the soul by Christ” (Faith and Works, p. 38, 1979). She adds, “Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 668, 1890). Only then can we experience the transformative power of His grace. God’s hand is always outstretched, but we must first let go of our pride and reach out to Him. What is the testimony of a true Christian concerning himself?

CONFESSION CALL!

A true Christian acknowledges their own imperfections and dependence on Christ (Romans 7:18, KJV; Galatians 6:14, KJV). “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Sr. White adds, “The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160). The apostle Peter’s life exemplifies this principle. Though he was a faithful minister of Christ, he never forgot his own failures and relied entirely on God’s grace. This introspection challenges me to examine my spiritual journey. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, KJV) and “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5, KJV). Sr. White highlights, “A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding peaceful trust” (Steps to Christ, p. 70, 1892). She also writes, “The nearer we come to Jesus, the more clearly we see our imperfections” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160, 1900). Have I, like Peter, acknowledged my dependence on Christ? As a congregation, we must foster an environment where we support one another in recognizing our need for grace, rather than pretending to have it all together. What marks true worship before God?

WORSHIP WONDER!

True worship is marked by contrition and humility. Isaiah 66:2 declares, “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (KJV). Similarly, Psalm 51:17 affirms, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (KJV). Sr. White explains, “Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160). This truth resonates deeply with me. True worship requires surrender—laying aside our pride and self-reliance. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, KJV) and “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20, KJV). Sr. White states, “When you meet with the Lord, say, I am in the Lord’s house, and I desire all wicked thoughts, all mistrust and murmuring against my brethren, to be far from me” (Bible Training School, p. 1, 1908). She further notes, “True worship is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit upon a person’s life” (The Signs of the Times, p. 1, 1890). We must approach God with humble hearts, seeking His will above our own. Worship is not about outward appearances but about an inward transformation. What lessons come from the church of Laodicea?

LAODICEA LESSONS!

Revelation 3:17 describes the Laodicean church: “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (KJV). This testimony mirrors the Pharisee’s self-righteousness, serving as a warning to us today. However, Revelation 3:18-20 offers hope: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich… Behold, I stand at the door, and knock” (KJV). Sr. White urges, “Christ is knocking at the door of your heart, waiting to bestow His grace and love” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160). This call challenges us to open our hearts fully to God. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of my own need to let go of spiritual complacency and seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16, KJV) and “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19, KJV). Sr. White warns, “The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the present time” (The Review and Herald, p. 1, 1873). She also declares, “The people of God are represented in the message to the Laodiceans in a position of carnal security. They are at ease, believing themselves in an exalted condition of spiritual attainments” (Faith and Works, p. 82, 1979). Together, we must heed this call, encouraging one another to remain vigilant in our faith. How do we reflect God’s love?

LOVE REFLECTED!

At its core, the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican reveals a God who values humility over pretense and sincerity over self-righteousness. Isaiah 57:15 declares, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit…” (KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The soul that turns to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 149). This truth fills me with awe. God’s love is not reserved for the proud or the perfect but extends to the broken and the repentant. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV) and “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10, KJV). Sr. White teaches, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). She also writes, “I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great” (Early Writings, p. 51, 1882). As a community, we must embody this love, welcoming all who seek Christ and offering grace to one another. In doing so, we reflect the character of our Savior. How does the parable call us to humility?

HUMILITY HEROICS!

The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican challenges us to examine our hearts and redefine our understanding of worship. True worship is not about exalting ourselves but about humbling ourselves before God. By embracing humility, rejecting pride, and seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace. Scriptures further illustrate this point with “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5, KJV) and “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6, KJV). Sr. White encourages, “Humility and meekness are in accordance with the life of Christ, but they are to be shown in a dignified way” (The Signs of the Times, p. 1, 1893). She also states, “If you walk in humility of mind before the Lord, then He can work with your efforts, and His strength will be made perfect in your weakness” (The Review and Herald, p. 1, 1901). Let us, as individuals and as a church, commit to this path, reflecting God’s love in all that we do.

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PRIDE’S DOWNFALL: PHARISEE VS PUBLICAN

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).

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