Parable Of The Unjust Judge
And

Parable Of The Pharisee

And The Publican

By

The Twelve Apostles

Parable Of The Unjust Judge
And then to teach that men should pray without ceasing, Jesus told this parable: “There was a judge who did not fear God, nor regarded man. There was a widow who often pleaded with the judge to right her wrongs and to avenge her foes. At first, the judge would not hear her, but after many days he said, ‘I do not fear God, and I do not regard man. Yet, lest this widow wear me out by pleading every day, I will avenge her on her foes.”

When the disciples asked the meaning of this parable, the Lord replied, “The wise can understand. The foolish have no need to know.” Meaning that the children of God shall continue to pray until God answers them.

Parable Of The Pharisee And The Publican

And then to teach a lesson to some of his followers who trusted in themselves and thought that they were holier than other men, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went to the synagogue to pray. One was a Pharisee, the other was a publican.
The Pharisee stood forth and prayed thus with himself, ‘O God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, who are extortioners, unjust, adulterers. Not even like this publican. I fast two times a week, and I give tithes of all I get.’

The publican did not come near the altar. He would not lift his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast and said, ‘O lord, be merciful to me. I am a sinner in your sight. I am undone.’

“And now, you men, I say to you, the publican knew how to pray, and he was justified. The Pharisee knew how to talk, but still he went away condemned.
Behold, everyone who exalts himself shall be brought low, and he who is humble and does not praise himself shall be exalted in the sight of God.”

Explanations:

1. In every situation, be humble.

2. Learn to answer people with soft words, even when you are being provoked.

3. Do not look down on others.

4. Self-righteousness is not enough to attain salvation.

5. Do not boast of your good works.

6. Do not betray others in order to gain favours.

7. And do not speak bad of others, just to gain favours from those in positions of authority.