Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)
Read Luke 18:9-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: Verse 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Verse 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. Verse 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' Verse 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' Verse 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Devotion
No matter how high the position of the Pharisee or the low level of the tax collector, both of them were sinners. What they could bring to God was their sins. Unfortunately the Pharisee, although he might be better educated and more knowledgeable about God than the tax collector, was blind to the meaning of God’s grace for him.
Forgiveness of sins is a totally free gift from God in Christ, not from good works done by human hands. Ironically, the tax collector realized the truth more than the Pharisee did. Salvation from Christ is for everyone, poor and rich – but only the poor in spirit like the tax collector could receive this blessing from a gracious God. This is real consolation and encouragement for us: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things to shame the strong.”
Prayer
Dear God in Christ, grant us a pure heart full of wisdom to understand your unsearchable judgment so that day by day we would not be like the Pharisee who exalted himself before you. Always remind us we are your children. You are always there when we are weak and ask for your help in the prayer, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Amen.