The Teachings of Jesus in Luke: Mercy

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they 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.” ~ Luke 18:9-14
"This is what God's kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more." ~ Rachel Held Evans


This isn't the first time Jesus talks about being humble.

 We can see the humility in the tax collector's prayer: in his demeanor (not daring to look toward God), his location (standing far off).

 He knows he's an oddball. He knows he's an outcast (tax collectors were hated!). He knows he isn't worthy or good.

 He knows simply this: that he needs mercy.

 On the other hand, the Pharisee (or to make it current, let's say the priest, pastor, or deacon!), calls attention not to his own sin, but to the perceived sins of others. There is really no prayer here, is there? There are a lot of words and a lot of patting one's self on the back.

 Who needs mercy when you've got it all down pat?

 Earlier in Luke, Jesus gave a very simple way to pray in a quite short rendition of what we now call the Lord's Prayer. He taught it because John's disciples just didn't know how to pray. Maybe they thought they were oddball and outcasts too?

 As you read the prayer again, what might each verse be paraphrased to? Or how might each verse by followed?

 Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
Lord have mercy.
Give us each day our daily bread. 
For you are merciful.
And forgive us our sins,
Because we depend on your mercy.
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
Because of your mercy.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.
Lord have mercy.

 Sometimes I am just stuck in what to pray. Sometimes, despite knowing better, I think that many words will make a prayer more valid, or acceptable, to God.

 Sometimes I feel like such an oddball or outcast, that I just can't seem to find the words.

 When that happens, I can always know there is one prayer God always hears. One prayer that reminds me that my place at the table has already been set by a merciful God.
Prayer: Lord have mercy. Amen







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