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It could be
argued, the parable of the unmerciful servant is not about salvation. It is
about the obligation of those who have received mercy to show mercy. However, the
parable of the contrite Publican is clearly salvation focused. The declaration
of justification makes it so, and presses us to wonder how we would be able to
know if a “profession” of faith is authentic.
If Jesus' disciples were confused and wanted an explanation, he might have said: “Think about what the man said; and, while you're thinking, keep your eyes open."
First – What did the Publican say?
The common word
for “mercy” in the New Testament is sometimes translated “loving kindness.”
Thus a prayer for mercy can be simply a request for a particular kindness from
God. However, the Publican’s word, “merciful,” is found only one other place. It is a
derivative of the word “propitiation” which speaks of Jesus' atoning sacrifice and was the Greek
term for the Mercy Seat in the Temple.
The Publican requested deliverance from deserved wrath. His word had the force of “may there be some way to provide a substitute in my place.” It assumed a clear understanding of guilt, danger, and need for a payment of a debt with blood. His was a request which is usually not fully grasped by most at the moment of professing faith in Christ, but if its essence is there the truth will grow on their soul over time.
This takes us to the matter of keeping our eyes open. Open for what?
The Publican requested deliverance from deserved wrath. His word had the force of “may there be some way to provide a substitute in my place.” It assumed a clear understanding of guilt, danger, and need for a payment of a debt with blood. His was a request which is usually not fully grasped by most at the moment of professing faith in Christ, but if its essence is there the truth will grow on their soul over time.
This takes us to the matter of keeping our eyes open. Open for what?
Open for another Publican... a little man... in a tree! Might this Publican have been the one Jesus’ had in mind in his parable? Listen to
Zacchaeus speak of righting wrongs and showing mercy to people in need. For him, justification by faith was the
beginning of all grace received and the source of all grateful graciousness to
be shown through the change it would bring about in his life. Faith (like ideas) has consequences.
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