Enter the Duggars.
Many conservative Christians praised this family of reality television fame for very similar reasons that first century Jews praised the Pharisees: They got it right. They were faithful. They protected themselves from the dangerous world of first century Palestine or 21st century America. The name, Pharisee, after all, means “separated one,” and this separation from cultural norms is what earned the Duggars an ongoing reputation of doing life the right way.
Thus, when I would hear the Duggar family speak of their methods for raising children in purity, I would hear similarities between the Duggars’ self-evaluation and the Pharisee’s self-evaluation. Some of the reaction to the allegations confronts this very spirit; after all, people will say, this family set themselves up to be a perfect family, so now they deserve to face judgment for their failures.
Yet, should we all really be shocked whenever it comes out that, yes, they too are fallen human beings? In the worst way, I feel that we are witnessing the truth of Jesus’ words: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Luke 18:14).
People also feel that Josh Duggar has not adequately paid for his alleged offense, either by his seeming lack of punishment or by his seemingly weak apology. Yet, to go back to the parable, the tax collector has a seemingly weak apology as well. This publican also faces no punishment; in fact, he goes home justified, right with God!
While it does not seem like the finest example of humility, Jesus promises: “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).
Perhaps we expect much more penance than God ever does when it comes to forgiveness.