NOTE.—In the preparation of these lessons all Scripture references, and the pages of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” should be thoroughly studied first, then the questions. The questions are not the lessons. They are only for the purpose of finding out what we have observed while studying. More of the preciousness of these lessons will be obtained if the lesson is studied each day throughout the week. In the parables of Jesus there is salvation from sin for every type of sinner—from the Pharisee to the prodigal. The notes are wholly selected from such portions of “Christ’s Object Lessons” as apply to each lesson.
9 “And He spake also this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at naught: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all 13 that I get. But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, 14 saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1. To whom was this parable spoken?
2. Who went up into the temple? For what purpose? What was “the one”? “The other?”
3. With whom did the Pharisee pray? For what was he thankful? What were his good deeds?
4. In praying where did the publican stand? What was his attitude? What were his words?
5. Which of the two went home justified? Who says so?
6. How many will be abased? Who will be exalted? By whom will the exalting and the abasing be done?
14. To what point will God exalt those who humble themselves here, accepting their Redeemer as their all in all? Rom. 8: 16, 17.
NOTES.
WHOEVER trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others.
THE SENSE OF need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God.
THOSE whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness.
GREAT as is the shame and degradation through sin, even greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love. To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven’s treasure, an excellency of power, that will place them higher even than the angels who have never fallen.
