The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11-12)
When Praying Becomes Bragging
Jesus’s parables often directly attacked the hypocrisy of Jewish leaders who prided themselves on their righteousness. A spirit of elitism prevailed among God’s people, who had exalted themselves in their righteousness to the point that they despised all who were not as faithful to the Law of Moses as they were. The parable was directed to those who believed their lives were above the reproach of the world. Because of their understanding of divine truth, the Pharisees were compelled to look down on others who did not share their level of expertise when it came to living righteous lives.
Prayer has always been part of the character of godly people, but it can become a way to brag to the world and remind God how righteous they are. In the parable, Jesus describes in detail the Pharisees’ attitudes, who were thankful not to be weak men who stumbled over the law. It was as if the Pharisees had perfected their lives in such a manner that their righteousness exceeded the righteousness of other men. Not only did the Pharisees thank God for not being like other men, but they also reminded the Lord how special they were. They would never be accused of extorting from other men. Everything the Pharisee did in life was just because they could never do anything unjust.
The moral character of the Pharisees was that they would never be accused of adultery. Ungodly men would fall to the temptation of adultery, but not them. This Pharisee reminded God how pure his life was, in case the Lord forgot. Then the Pharisee goes on a bragging tour, telling God he fasts twice a week and is a benevolent man who gives tithes of all his possessions. Braggadocious praying reminds God how great His servant is and how well he keeps the Law of Moses.
The Pharisee boasted that he was not like other men, and that was true. He prided himself on his own righteousness, and most faithful servants of the Lord learn how to humble themselves in the sight of God. One of the foundations of the Christian principle is never to consider oneself greater than he is. Paul reminded the saints in Philippi to always look out for others’ interests before their own. Esteeming others better than self illustrates the spirit of Christ. When the Pharisee bragged about not being like other men, he showed his defiance in the face of the Son of God, who did not consider it robbery to be equal with God but emptied Himself. Jesus condemned the Pharisee spirit.
When the Pharisee bragged about his righteousness, he condemned Abraham, Moses, and David (to name a few). All men struggle with sin. He should have learned from the tax collector who humbled himself before the mercy of God. Everyone needs mercy. To judge a person unworthy of the gospel is to condemn oneself. Bragging in the heart about being pure, righteous, and religious brings God’s wrath on a prideful heart. The drunk needs Christ. Homosexuals need the gospel. Just because someone has tattoos all over their body does not disqualify them from grace. Short people need Jesus Christ just like the tall. Every nation needs the good news of Jesus Christ – even nations that are the enemies of the United States.
Some men pray, and some men brag. Those who brag to God are not impressing the Creator of the world who holds their breath in His hand. What can a man brag about? God holds the universe in the span of His hand. What is there to brag about? God will destroy the universe one day by the command of His mouth. Who can brag about anything they did? Prayer reminds us to humble our hearts before the mighty hand of God. Bragging impresses men, but it angers God.
