Not much has changed since the first century, prostitutes and tax collectors are still disliked and are often condemned by society. Beginning in 26 or 27 A.D., Jesus began his earthly ministry using a series of stories called parables to illustrate his daily message. In the parable of the two sons, Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus uses tax collectors and prostitutes within his story to highlight the fact that these 2 groups believed the words of John the Baptist, but the chief priest, elders and Pharisees did not.
After Jesus’ ascension into heaven in Acts 1:9-11, the apostle Paul uses a similar analogy in his letter to the church of Rome. Throughout history, individuals tend to compare themselves to inferior or lesser citizens to build their own self-esteem or make themselves feel better. The Roman Church appears to have developed a similar mindset, a Pharisee like attitude thinking, “at least I’m not like one of those people,” mentioned in Romans 1:26-32. Sensing this superiority complex, Paul rebukes this judgmental mentality in Romans 2:1, building upon Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-6.
Unfortunately, Christians and non-Christians alike have carried on the traditions of the Pharisees. Arrogance, pride and self-conceit is blinding people from their sins of omission. Instead of inwardly looking at their heart, Luke 6:45, a spirit of narcissism is preventing souls from understanding Jesus’ message of the parable of the two sons. While the spiritual elite think they are heading for eternity, prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners are convicted of their shameful acts, have repented from these sins and are receiving the forgiveness and mercy only found in Jesus, Matthew 6:14-15. Though society continues to reject prostitutes and tax collectors, our heavenly Father is waiting for all prodigals to return with open arms of love, Luke 15:30-32.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 