John, even though the disciples were victims of the Pharisee's impossibly perfect rules and standards, they were all products of their culture.  I think of the disciples' reaction to the woman at the well.  They tried to keep children at arms' length from Jesus.  They never would have dreamed of helping the Samaritan.

Yes, Jesus was killed by his culture.  But the culture was also killing compassion and dignity inside everyone.  If Jesus had been no different from the prevailing religious standards and socially acceptable behavior, there would have no reason for him to have come to earth at all.  No one would have noticed him.  No one would have cared, or found out how much God cares about us. No one's life would have ever been transformed by God's radical, saving grace.

I'm also reminded by your parable how very easy it is for us to act/feel/be Pharisees.  I catch myself doing it all the time.  I wonder how often I'm that judgmental and don't even notice.  Thank you for what you wrote.  It made me think.