In Luke 18:9-14 is the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (tax collector). Most of us may tend to identify with the publican, but is that realistic? A publican was a public contractor who supplied Roman occupation armies, oversaw public building projects and collected taxes for the Roman Republic. It was a very profitable position, but at the expense of ones fellow countrymen. A Pharisee was a religious leader who had great popularity among the common people. The Pharisees were noted for their great zeal and devotion. Is it more appropriate for us to relate to the Pharisees? Is it we who attempt to live a good life and do the right thing, who need to guard against an attitude of conceit when comparing ourselves with those from the seamier side of life? Are we not all transgressors?
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