How did the publican show his humility and contrition?
• He stood … 18:13 … afar off, his eyes humbly lowered. It is not certain whether the afar off means afar off from the Pharisee, or (as is more probable) afar off from the Holy Place to which the Pharisee would thrust himself, as of right, into closest proximity (Cambridge Bible). Because the publican stood afar off, God brought him close by hearing his prayer; because, in his humility, not lifting his eyes to heaven, God looked down from heaven, lifting him up into the light of His countenance. • He … 18:13 … smote upon his breast. The meaning is continued to smite. He was striking his breast again and again in the agony of his self-reproaches. What was the publicans prayer? A very short one, perhaps repeated over and over … 18:13 … God be merciful to me a sinner, literally, the sinner. A short prayer is better than a long one (Matt. 6:7, 8; 23:14). Also,prayers should be directed, not to ourselves, nor to the audience, but to God (Coffman). This man did not say, Nature be
