Luke 18:12 is about the Pharisee in the parable who is boasting about his fasting and tithing, showcasing a self-righteous attitude rather than genuine humility and devotion to God.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
Setting the Scene for Luke 18:12
In Luke chapter 18, we find Jesus teaching a parable to a group of people gathered around Him. The scene is set in a bustling marketplace in the town square, with merchants selling their goods and people going about their daily activities. Among the crowd are Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws, and tax collectors, who were often despised by society for their collaboration with the Roman authorities.
As Jesus begins to speak, a Pharisee steps forward, dressed in his finest robes and with an air of self-righteousness. He starts to pray aloud, thanking God that he is not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like the tax collector standing nearby. The tax collector, on the other hand, stands at a distance, his head bowed in humility, beating his chest and asking God for mercy, acknowledging his own sinfulness.
The contrast between the two men in this scene is stark, highlighting the themes of pride and humility that Jesus often addressed in His teachings. The marketplace setting serves as a backdrop to this powerful lesson on the importance of genuine repentance and the dangers of self-righteousness.
What is Luke 18:12 about?
Jesus contrasts the attitudes of a Pharisee and a tax collector in prayer in Luke 18:12 as part of a parable. The Pharisee in this verse shares a list of his pious acts, such as fasting twice a week and tithing, to showcase his righteousness. However, the underlying message of this verse is not about the physical actions themselves but rather the attitude and intention behind them. It serves as a reminder that genuine acts of faith should stem from a humble heart rather than a desire for self-righteousness or validation from others.
Reflecting on this verse, we can ponder on the motivations behind our own actions. Are we doing good deeds out of love and compassion, or are we seeking recognition and status? It prompts us to examine whether our religious practices come from a place of sincerity and devotion or from a place of pride and self-centeredness. Through this verse, we are called to cultivate a spirit of humility and authenticity in our faith journey, where our actions are driven by a genuine desire to serve and honor God rather than seeking accolades from the world.
So, let us take a moment to reflect on our own intentions and attitudes towards our religious practices. The tax collector in the parable approached God with honesty and repentance, let us strive to emulate his humility. May this verse remind us to focus not just on the outward expressions of faith but also on the inward transformation of our hearts, aligning our motivations with the love and grace of God.
Understanding what Luke 18:12 really means
In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector. The Pharisee boasts about his religious practices, such as fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of all he gets. This verse serves as a reminder to examine our motives in practicing our faith, challenging us to do so with humility and sincerity rather than seeking validation or praise from others.
Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them in Matthew 6:1-4, emphasizing the importance of humility and sincerity in our actions. Isaiah 58:3-7 discusses the true meaning of fasting, highlighting that it should be an act of humility and service to others, not a means of self-promotion. James 4:6 reinforces the idea that God values humility over self-righteousness, stating that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
In today’s world, where social media often encourages self-promotion and the showcasing of good deeds, this verse remains relevant. Consider a person who volunteers at a soup kitchen but constantly seeks validation through social media posts, contrasted with someone who quietly serves, finding joy in the act itself and the impact it has on others. The latter embodies the humility that Jesus praises.
“I fast twice a week” highlights the Pharisee’s focus on his own religious discipline, showing that even valuable spiritual practices lose their meaning when used for self-elevation. Similarly, “I give a tenth of all I get” underscores the Pharisee’s emphasis on his own generosity, revealing a heart more concerned with self-righteousness than genuine devotion.
Reflect on your spiritual practices and the motivations behind them. Are you seeking to honor God and serve others, or are you looking for recognition and praise? Embracing humility and sincerity aligns us more closely with the heart of God, who values a contrite spirit over outward displays of piety.
How can we guard against pride in our fasting?
One way to guard against pride in our fasting is to remember that fasting is not about impressing others with our discipline or piety. The focus should be on our relationship with God and our personal spiritual growth. Fasting should be a time of humility and self-reflection, not a means to elevate ourselves above others or seek recognition for our actions.
Another way to guard against pride in our fasting is to maintain a sincere and pure intention. If our fasting is done with the intention of seeking the approval or admiration of others, then it is not truly an act of worship. Our motives should be solely directed towards pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure, rather than seeking praise from people.
Lastly, we should strive to keep our fasting a private and personal matter between ourselves and Allah. It is important to avoid boasting about our fasting or seeking attention for our actions. True sincerity in fasting requires humility and a desire to draw closer to Allah, rather than seeking validation or recognition from others.
Application
Imagine climbing the corporate ladder. You might reach the top, but without true purpose, what does it mean? Luke 18:12 calls us to strip away pride and look inward. Are our actions driven by genuine intent or self-promotion? Let’s worship and serve with sincerity, putting God’s glory ahead of our own. Will you join me in seeking true humility and serving with a pure heart?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.