Parables from St. Luke
Uploaded by coolzie on Oct 26, 2011
This paper discusses one of the parables from the Gospel of St. Luke and the way in which it supports Jesus’ teachings. (4+ pages; 1 source; MLA citation style)
I Introduction
The Gospels are interesting because they tell the same story four different ways, using different techniques. In Luke, parables play an important part in Jesus’ teachings. These little mini-sermons get to the heart of the matter and exhort Jesus’ followers to consider their behavior and what it means to their future.
This brief paper considers one of the parables from St. Luke and what it means to the rest of that particular Gospel. I’m using Chapter 18, verses 9-14.
II Discussion
I’ve chosen this parable because it seems easier to understand than the others that were suggested. I’m also using a Bible I’ve had for years, which may make a difference. In this version (Revised Standard), the parable is of the two men who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector:
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18, 11-14).
The meaning of this parable is clear; in fact, it’s right there in the last line: “He who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is a strong admonition against the sin of pride, which is of course one of the seven deadly sins. In addition, however, there is an implied “threat” in the parable, if I might take the liberty to express it in those terms. It’s pretty clear that if man doesn’t mend his ways, God will humble him. Just exactly what sort of form the punishment will take is also fairly clear: man will not be able to get into heaven.
This parable is only one of...