The Pharisee is this? The meaning of the parable and the meaning of the word

The Bible is a unique book. It is not for nothing called eternal. Not only for Christians of all faiths does the Bible contain valuable guides and instructions, lessons of life and faith. But for any atheistically minded person, it is extremely important, since, despite the prescription of writing, is a moral and ethical code of morality, a textbook for the proper education of the soul and heart.

Biblical Parables

The 10 commandments are not the only set of rules that directly and concretely explain how the foundations of human co-existence should be built. Huge moral potentials carry parables in the Bible. In these small everyday histories, the most important truths are veiled in a veiled, philosophical form, they talk about eternal spiritual and moral values, characteristic not for one people, but for humanity as a whole. And if we ignore the specific religious interpretation of parables, consider them in the context of the whole history of human evolution, then each of us can learn a lot of useful things for ourselves. For example, a story about the Pharisee and publican. Usual average reader, not burdened with luggage of cultural and historical knowledge of Jews, it is difficult to understand its religious and culturological aspect. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with the socio-political realities of the era, which is reflected in the parable. And first of all the question arises: "The Pharisee is who such?" Equally, like the tax collector. Let's try to figure it out!

Reference material

Remember the content of the parable? The tax collector and the Pharisee pray in the temple of God. The first humbly begs forgiveness for their sins, acknowledging their imperfection. The second one thanks God that he does not belong to the caste of despicable beggars. From the context we understand what "the Pharisee" means. He is a wealthy person, belonging to the well-off strata of the population.

And to more accurately understand the meaning of the word, let's look at the explanatory dictionaries and reference books. In Ushakov's dictionary it is said that in Ancient Judea the Pharisee is a representative of one of the largest and most influential religious and political parties. It had the right to enter only eminent, wealthy citizens, mostly residents of cities. Good education, knowledge of religious dogmas and sacred Jewish books was also an indispensable condition for acceptance in the Pharisees. And, finally, the unblemished reputation of a zealous servant of the church! Without it, the Pharisee is not a Pharisee! The members of the party required strict observance and manifestation of all the rules and signs of piety, and with increased zeal! Consequently, fanaticism and hypocrisy were assiduously practiced among representatives of the party. They were to serve as an example to the simple people, the standard of true service to God. How much succeeded in fact, we will show the parable "About the Pharisee and Publican".

Image analysis

It is set forth in the Gospel of Luke. The author writes that Jesus told the story specifically for those listeners who consider themselves righteous and humiliate others on this basis. The parable of the Pharisee and publican directly indicates that one who considers himself superior to others is better, purer, more spiritual, and boasts of this as a special advantage, a special personal merit before the Lord, I am sure that I have already earned the Kingdom of God - is deeply mistaken. Why? After all, the tax collector and the Pharisee are as if on opposite poles. One does not sin, strictly observes the posts, voluntarily donates a tenth of his income to the church, he is not noticed in the discrediting activities. And the second, on the contrary, according to the then laws is considered a contemptible person. The tax collector is the tax collector. He serves the Romans, which means that we hate and despise the original Jews. Dialogue with publicans was considered a desecration, a sin. But how then to understand the final line of the parable?

Morality

At the end of his narration, Luke in the name of Christ affirms: a publican who sincerely prayed and regretted his woefully sinfulness is much more worthy of forgiveness than the Pharisee, who looks at everyone and everything down. The Pharisees argued with Jesus, distorted the essence of Christianity, served dogma, and not living faith. Therefore, from the earliest times the word acquired a negative evaluation color, it became abusive. The tax collector behaves in a temple in a humbled manner, with self-abasement, humility. And this deserves forgiveness. One of the most terrible sins in the Bible is pride. She is infected with a Pharisee. From it the tax collector is free. Therefore, the conclusion is drawn: anyone who exalts himself will be humiliated in the face of God. And humiliating himself is exalted and introduced into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lessons of morality

What can we take from the parable for ourselves, we, ordinary people, not very religious, not always observing fasts and other rituals? First of all, we must understand that in no case can we ascend. We should always remember: ranks, regalia, finances are not given to us forever. And do not release from responsibility for their spiritual movements and deeds. And in the face of eternity are all - and the first faces of states, and the last beggars. All people are born alike, all are mortal too. Therefore, one should not ascend. The more modestly we behave, the more honorable will be the reward.