I think I may have a hook for tomorrow’s sermon (still stuck for Monday, but I can’t afford to think that far ahead). One way to address tomorrow’s lessons runs by way of bracketing, for a day, the historic markings of the two characters in Jesus’ parable, and to foreground the characteristics that fund the parabolic punch: the good guy gets snubbed, and the bad guy gets praised. If we focus on the particularities, we’re liable to wind up in arguments about just who the first-century Pharisees were, and how tax collectors made their money.
That, I think, distracts us from the gospel of grace at work in the parable. The Pharisees thinks too well of himself, maybe; but the scandalous message involves God’s commendation of the bum, the traitor, who does not even express penitence. He wants mercy, but rather than apologizing or offering restitution (as Zaccheus specifically does in the chapter coming up), he says, “That’s right, I’m a crook; cut me some slack, anyway.” And according to Jesus, he’s the one God approves.
Go figure.
DRMA: Ten Feet Tall by XTC; Evangeline by Los Lobos; Cyclops Rock by They Might Be Giants.
Posted by AKMA at October 23, 2004 12:09 AM | TrackBackThat is a pretty radical story, now that you mention it. And I like your approach of focusing on what's most startling in the story, rather than on the details of who the Pharisees were and how taxes were collected.
What I take from this parable is the notion that even the most reprehensible or sleazy types are redeemable in the eyes of God, and that it's not our place to judge one another or presume we know how God sees us.
Posted by: Rachel at October 23, 2004 08:12 AMTrying to head in the same direction, I'm using Flannery O'Conner's "Revelation"; sorry to be too late to be of any help-- but its a great story that really sings when put in relation to this parable. And AKMA, if its any comfort-- there's a big funeral on Monday, so I've got another one to write as well.
Posted by: David at October 23, 2004 08:13 PMWell put, AKMA.
Posted by: Dave at October 24, 2004 01:59 PM