Luke 18:13

"I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’"

Key Reflection

In Luke 18:13, the speaker's boast about fasting twice a week and tithing all his possessions highlights their self-righteousness and misplaced focus on outward religious practices rather than genuine repentance or compassion for others. This passage contrasts true piety with superficial religiosity, emphasizing that spiritual integrity lies in actions motivated by love and mercy, not mere ritual observance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 13. Standing afar off. Afar off from the temple. The place where prayer was offered in the temple was the court of women. The Pharisee advanced to the side of the court nearest to the temple, or near as he could; the publican stood on the other side of the same court if he was a Jew, or in the court of the Gentiles if he was a pagan, as far as possible from the temple, being conscious of his unworthiness to approach the sacred place where God had his holy habitation. So much as his eyes, &c. Conscious of his guilt. He felt that he was a sinner, and shame and sorrow prevented his looking up. Men who are conscious of guilt always fix their eyes on the ground. Smote upon his breast.

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