The Lord: "I think that will do it; I have heard enough."

Elder Edwards: "But Lord, I haven't told you half of it! I work every year in church camp. I made a mission trip to Haiti. I led an effort to shut down an X-rated bookstore in Graysville. There's so much to tell. I could fill a book with all the good deeds I've done."

The Lord: "Elder Edwards, your life is a sham and a disgrace. You have only one god, and it's not me. I grant you no justification!"

Elder Edwards: "Lord, You misunderstand! I collected clothes for an orphanage. I contributed to feed-the-hungry programs .... I ... I ... I ..."

If Jesus were telling the parable today, we might listen in on the prayers of Mary the prostitute as she too visits the church building.

Mary: "Lord, I don't feel very comfortable inside this church building, but I wanted to talk to You. I'm not even sure You listen to the prayers of a person like me."

The Lord: "Mary, I am listening to your prayers."

Mary: 'WOW! THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE! You are actually talking to me!"

The Lord: "Yes, Mary, I am talking to you. I have some questions to ask you. You have spent most of your life as a prostitute?"

Mary: "Yes, Lord. I am ashamed to admit it, but that's how I have made my living."

The Lord: "You seldom have attended church?"

Mary: "Yes, Sir, that is correct. I keep thinkin' I should, but I just don't feel worthy because of my lifestyle. I could never take the holy communion."

The Lord: "You have lived with at least two men without being married to them?"

Mary: "Lord, I can't deny this charge either. I shouldn't of done it. The men didn't love me, even though I wanted them to. I have been searchin' for someone who really loves me, but I know that don't make sin right."

The Lord: "Mary, you have lived an evil life. You have violated the holiness that I desire for my children. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Mary: "Lord, I really can't defend myself. I have had some bad breaks in life, but that ain't no excuse, cause I know what's right and wrong. I am an awful person, and I deserve whatever punishment you give. God ... it scares me to say it, but I desire above all else Your mercy and forgiveness.

The Lord: "Mary, I have heard your prayer; you are justified in My sight."

Jesus And "Religious" People

Have religious people changed since Jesus' day? Do we still value ceremonial laws over people? Do we still think we have all the answers? Is our religion, like that of the Pharisee in Jesus' parable, a means of proving our worthiness? Are we more concerned with self-righteousness than God's righteousness?

You know what troubles me most about Jesus' parable? I too am a religious person and leader. I must admit that sometimes I feel comfortable with my answers. Just like the Pharisee, I often feel proud of my spiritual achievements. I have been tempted to "hang my Sunday school pins in the living room." At times I even catch myself thinking, "Boy, am I glad I am not like that guy." Does Jesus view me the way He did the Pharisees? Is there something about being religious which causes Jesus to become my adversary?