MUCH of the teaching of our Saviour was made plain by the use of parables, or object lessons. He took the things of every-day life, with which all were familiar, to illustrate the truths of eternal life. "And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess. "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:9-13. Our own righteousness is nothing but "filthy rags." Our own good deeds can never save us. Prayer is simply coming to God as our Father. It is telling Him of our needs, and thanking Him for His blessings. The Pharisee felt no need, and so received no blessing. The publican knew he was a sinner, and asked for the mercy of God. Hence he went from the temple forgiven, "justified," made just before God. His record was made clean on the books of Heaven. [Illustration: The Pharisee and the Publican] In another parable Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. "And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table." See Luke 16:19-31. The rich man died and was punished, because he had not made God his hope and trust. But Lazarus, although poor and afflicted, had been a servant of the Most High God. He also died, but received the glorious reward which God has in store for all who obey Him. This parable teaches that riches are no sign of God's favor; neither does poverty indicate that one is rejected of God. At another time a lawyer asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" [Illustration: The Rich Man and Lazarus.] Jesus answered with a parable. A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was met by thieves, who beat him, and robbed him, and left him, supposing he was dead. A priest came that way, but passed by on the other side of the road. A Levite also came and looked at him, and then went away without giving aid. But at last, one of the Samaritans (a people despised by the Jews) came along. When he saw the wounded man, he bound up his wounds, lifted him onto his beast, took him to an inn, and cared for him. Then Jesus asked, "which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?" And the lawyer could only answer, "He that showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said, "Go, and do thou likewise." See Luke 10:25-37. [Illustration: The Good Samaritan.]