"There's more than one way to skin a cat." For a great read about that phrase's etymology, click here. What you need to know is clear: dogs > cats.
This is true about preaching sermons, and finding the numerous applications from the text from the singular interpretation. The interpretation of the first parable, called the "Pharisee and the Publican" (publican was old school language for tax-collector, or the most modern, 'tax-man') is clear. Neither our piety (acts of service) nor position can merit righteousness or justification; it is solely based on our hearts condition - knowing that we are sinful and that God alone can justify.
I also noticed another level of application.
The Pharisee touted his position (religious leader, elite even) and his piety (fasted 2x/week, tithed everything). These were works of supererogation - going above and beyond - according to God's Law and the Jewish tradition. One fast was required, not two; tithing your crops was required, not your garden herbs.
Consider: We all have position and most likely, acts of piety. We're parents, businessmen and women, teachers, bosses, employees, students. Even consider that many of us are American, born into (or emigrated to) a great country with numerous benefits other countries can't fathom. We do good stuff - attend church, sing, give financially, and especially in our church, serve others. Considering our position and piety we must be cautious that we don't see those as that which might justify us. They don't. They are to be lived out righteously as acts of worship, giving praise to God who gave them to us, and for the life Jesus died to give us.
The Publican prays "Have mercy on me, THE sinner." I love the acute focus of his prayer. I'm not just 'generally' sinful. He's not saying 'we're all a sordid lot.' He's saying, in line with Paul, "I am the chief of sinners."
We're to be aware that as much as we have been given position and are carrying out acts of piety, our hearts are wretched, not to be trusted, and are far too 'prone to wander... LORD, I feel it!'
But last is the 'precious' - trying to keep an alliteration is hard when you preach. But Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Chuckling at the next line and it's antiquatedness (?), 'they are precious in His sight.'
At our foundation, our core, our starting principle - we are children of the Living God. We are not just born into it, nor adopted (tho some are), we are blood-bought brothers and sisters through Jesus' finished work on the cross.
Far too often do I start my day with thinking about my position - dad, husband, pastor, neighbor. And my piety - read the Bible, pray, serve those around me. Those are great things, but they're not to be 'first things'. Or I can start out by beating myself up because I am 'the sinner.' Woe is me, wretch that I am. Why should I have a wife, or be a dad, or a pastor. Do the neighbors just 'put up' with me? That can lead to self-deprecation, disrespect, and shame.
The first thought we should have when we wake is: "I am precious in His sight." "Jesus loves me." "I am God's son, whom He loves; I bring Him joy!"
Not only should it be our first thought, but our foundation and guiding framework as we go through each day... as you go through this day.
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