Upside Down Theology

The context of the story is prayer. When we pray our true character shows. Jesus taught this parable for those who considered themselves to be righteous
and despised others.

1. The Characters:

a. GOD - A "righteous" and an "unrighteous" went to the temple to appear before "Yahweh" (GOD) Ps 7:11/82:1-3/89:14

b. The Pharisee - The "apparent" god guy of the story. Presumably offered a sacrifice through a priest. He "stood before himself" or "prayed to himself". He was proud of his personal piety, generosity and personal devotion.

C. The Publican - a tax collector - Always tried to make people pay as much tax as possible while paying as little as possible to Rome. Higher collections less lower payments = maximum profits. They were extortionists and considered traitors. Hated by the Jews. He was broken and ashamed. Did not dare to look up to heaven. He asked for "mercy" continuously.

2. The unfolding plot v 14 "...For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

a. God resists the proud but gives Grace to the humble.
b. The "upside down" theology preached in the Gospel of the Kingdom. Mt. 11:28-31/53:3/Lk 9:41.

b. Luke 18:15-17