Is Mercy for Good Actors with the Right Script

Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18:21-35 forces us to ask a question: If mercy can be experienced without being acknowledged, and if that possibility could mean the difference between life and death; then, how are we to know that it actually has been received? There are many places in God’s Word to which we could turn. However, since the problem is raised in a parable, let us see if there is a parabolic solution. To do that we turn to two parables which Luke recorded for us. The first, which will be the focus of this devotional, is the familiar account of the Publican and the Pharisee.

As we approach this parable there a necessary clarification. The Publican was not some poor, ragged, homeless person who came into a worship service and was scorned by a self-righteous deacon. This man was a wealthy cheat. He was despised not because he was poor but because he was a prosperous lackey for Rome who picked Jewish pockets for their taxes, and overcharged them for his “services.” One of Jesus’ disciples, Simon the Zealot, may not have been impressed.  

Jesus’ description of the man’s actions is to the point. He plead, he plead explicitly, and he plead for mercy.

With a sneer, Simon may have mouthed the word, “hypocrite.” Then Jesus dropped a bombshell.  “This man went down to his house justified.”

JUSTIFIED!!!!

This parable is clearly salvation oriented. It is especially important to wonder how Jesus could make such a statement. Did he exercise his omniscience? If so, we are left with a problem. Can we pronounce "justified" to individuals who demonstrate a good show and say the "right prayer?" 

I imagine Simon having a fit; and I imagine Jesus’ replying: “Wait and see; but while you’re waiting, think about what I said.”

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