The Concept of Humility in Prayers: The Widow and the Judge

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The Concept of Humility in Prayers
The book of Luke 18:9-14 teaches about the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Jesus teaches his disciples about the values of Christianity in the parable.
The Bible says:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves exalted. (Luke 18:9-14)
The parable involves two characters; the Pharisee and the Tax collector who meet by the Temple for prayers. The Pharisee is depicted as a righteous hypocrite while the Tax collector is the irreligious sinner. While praying, the Pharisee condemns the tax collector and others who he regards as sinful. The Publican, on the other hand, acknowledges that he is wicked and asks for God’s mercy. The parable rebukes those who recognize themselves as worthy enough to be in the presence of God than others. Jesus teaches that no one is righteous sufficiently to inherit God’s Kingdom. The parable also reminds man of his sinful nature and the need to repent. Furthermore, Jesus tells Christians that it is wrong to judge others. Hence, Christians are expected to be humble in the presence of God and avoid religious hypocrisy since God condemns it.
The meaning of the first Centaury and significant elements in this context are evident from the characters in the parable. For instance, the Pharisees were regarded to be perfect in their ways and were respected as teachers and leaders. Mathew uses the righteousness of the Pharisees as a measure of faith required by God. He says that unless one’s devotion outshines that of the Pharisees, then they will not see the Kingdom of God (Mathew 5:20). The Pharisees were associated with good deeds and were respected for their knowledge of the laws of God. They adhered to the ‘Torah’; God’s law to Jewish people via Moses in the Old Testament (Levine 191). The mosaic laws included the Ten Commandments from God to the Jews. For instance, the law required the Jewish people to keep the Sabbath day holy. Luke describes the Pharisees as pretenders despite their excellent reputation. They invited Jesus to dine in their houses, were prayerful, and fasted twice a week.
Moreover, they were faithful in tithing and offering sacrifices. They valued the idea of purity, and they could not eat without adequately washing hands. The Pharisees showed respect to the elders and honored their traditions. However, they refuse to be baptized by John the baptized, and Jesus condemns t...