And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
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 a 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.
Bible Dictionary - Publicans : Men who bought or farmed the taxes under the Roman government were called publicans. The name is also used to describe those who actually collected the money, and who were properly called portitores. Both classes were detested by the Jews, and any Jew who undertook the work was excommunicated. Many of the tax gatherers in Galilee would be in the service of Herod and not of Rome. There are many references in the New Testament to the readiness with which the publicans received the gospel. Matthew 9:9-10, Matthew 10:3, Matthew 21:31-32, Mark 2:14-15, Luke 3:12, Luke 5:27-29,Luke 7:29, Luke 15:1, Luke 18:13, Luke 19:2,8
Classification: Prayer and Earnestness in Religious Life; Reversal of Human Judgment, as to just and unjust.
Interpretation: The unjust judge didn't want to help the widow but to keep her from bugging him he does. Jesus says if the unjust judge finally gives up and helps, imagine how much more help we will get from our loving Heavenly Father when we ask.
The Pharisee's prayer reminds me of the Zoramites prayer. He assumes he is perfect and doesn't need help so just says thank you for making him so perfect. Meanwhile, the publican feels very acutely how much of a sinner he is (whether he is or not we don't know. That's just how he feels) and begs for mercy from God.
In the end both get what they asked for. The Pharisee asked for nothing so received nothing, the publican asked for mercy and received it.
Application: This set of parables goes along very well with The Friend at Midnight in urging people to continue praying and never give up in the face of great adversity, also to be humble in your prayers. Acknowledge your weaknesses, your sins, ask for help, ask for forgiveness, ask for strength, ask for whatever you need to help your heart to change and be humble and grateful.
In Jeffrey R. Holland's talk Like a Broken Vessel he says, "..never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: 'That love never changes...It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.' Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
Many of us often have sincere prayers where we don't ask for anything and only thank our Heavenly Father for the blessings we have. But I think our goal is to do this humbly with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that without God we are nothing.
"The Pharisee and the Publican" by Howard W. Hunter
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