Could it be that Jesus...
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Could it be that Jesus really thought the sinner was a better person than the Pharisee simply because he confessed his wretched behavior? If we took this story at face value shouldn't we praise criminals for confessing their crimes and shame community leaders who take credit for their accomplishments? Could not one use this passage to make a case for Jesus teaching we can do anything we want as long as we admit it?
The answer to all of the above is, of course, "No!" As with all scripture we have to put it into proper context. To whom was this parable addressed? Under what circumstances? What did those first hearers think about what they heard?
On this particular passage, Luke leaves no doubt about those matters. Verse 9 tells us exactly to whom Jesus tells the parable and what reasons he did so.
The answer to all of the above is, of course, "No!" As with all scripture we have to put it into proper context. To whom was this parable addressed? Under what circumstances? What did those first hearers think about what they heard?
On this particular passage, Luke leaves no doubt about those matters. Verse 9 tells us exactly to whom Jesus tells the parable and what reasons he did so.
