Hello Everyone,
This Wednesday Night at my church I will be leading a Bible Study on Luke 18:9-14. I wrote a study guide this morning so I would like to share that with you for this week’s entry. Hopefully the questions can help you think about the text in a more in-depth way.
Have a Blessed Week,
Chris
Luke 18:9-14
New International Version
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “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.’
14 “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 will be exalted.”
Questions
-When you read this parable what comes to your mind? What are your first thoughts?
-Let’s compare the two people in this parable.
-For me there seems to be a common trend of Jesus speaking up against arrogant religious leaders. How can this be a cautionary tale to us as Christians especially in leadership?
-Do you think the pharisee was a bad person or perhaps just misguided?
-Is it possible to become so focused on God’s commandments that we forget God’s grace?
-This may be a tough one. What’s some tips and guides we can all use to stay humble while not sacrificing our integrity?
-Tell me some of your closing thoughts.
-Prayer
The Good Word 