#37: Thursday, 11 April 2019
**Luke 18:9-34**
*Written by Dr Graham Leo. (c)2019.*
Luke pairs two stories in this reading: a parable about the Pharisee and tax-collector, and an account of a rich ruler. Both address people "confident in their own righteousness."
The Rich Ruler (vv18-30)
The ruler claims to have kept all commandments since youth. However, Old Testament law contained numerous instructions regarding helping the poor and using wealth for others' benefit. Jesus likely identified this man's blind spot -- he hadn't truly followed the law as claimed.
Jesus instructs him to give money to the poor to gain treasure in heaven. The critical issue isn't poverty itself, but realigning values with God's priorities. The man doesn't value the poor, while God does. Money represents what we consider valuable; this ruler's values contradict his stated faith. Jesus seeks to transform his heart, not necessarily strip all rich people of wealth.
The Pharisee and Tax-Collector (Parable)
Two men pray at evening sacrifice time. The Pharisee prays self-centeredly, comparing himself favorably to the tax-collector -- a dangerous spiritual practice.
The author reflects on discovering personal patterns of prayer where he accused other Christians before God, recognizing this mirrored Satan's role as "accuser of our brothers." He resolved to trust God's omniscience rather than rehearse others' wrongs.
The tax-collector prays differently: "God have mercy on me, a sinner." More precisely translated: "O God, let the sacrifice be for me, the sinner."
The Word "Hilastheti" (Propitiation)
This Greek term, meaning atoning sacrifice, appears only four times in the New Testament:
- **1 John 4**: God sent His son as propitiation for sins - **Hebrews 2:17**: Jesus became a faithful high priest providing propitiation - **Romans 3:25**: God made Jesus a propitiation through His blood - **Old Testament**: The mercy-seat (hilasterion) where the high priest annually shed sacrificial blood for Israel's sins on Yom Kippur
The tax-collector, smelling the evening sacrifice, prays for propitiation, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice weeks ahead. He leaves justified, unlike the self-righteous Pharisee.
**Prayer:**
O my Father, every time I see the bread broken and the wine poured, remind me, please, to say: *Let the propitiation be for me.* As I place the bread on my tongue, and lift the cup to my lips, remind me, please, to say: *Let the propitiation be for me.* Amen.