Pharisee vs. Publican

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Jesus explains God's preference for "tax collectors", ( the lowest of the low, in those days, because they did the dirty work for the Roman occupation government ) over the self-righteous religious authorities of his day.
{ Luke 18: 9-14 }

[ The Scriptures are set apart by the color maroon and indentation.]

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were were righteous and regarded others with contempt:
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, '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.'
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
[ How similar to the Pharisees are all these "Religious Right" types who think they are God's gift to mankind and imagine they know what is wrong with everyone but themselves! And how similar to the lowly "tax collector" are to the "Liberals", who may not be saints, but don't claim to be either.
How refreshing it will be if, on the day when God makes his preferences known, he chooses those on the left to be with him in paradise, instead of those on the right! ]

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