Luke 18:9-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””
Luke 18:9-14 NIV
The difference between these two men was vast, but not for the reason the Pharisee thought. No, the difference between these two men was not their outward actions or words, but their hearts. One of these men, the tax collector, knew he was sinful and needed mercy, forgiveness, and grace. The other, the outwardly religious guy, thought he deserved to be honored by God.
In fact, only one of these men knew about grace; that was the humble and forgiven man. Jesus reminds us that our faith isn't about religiously pretentious games but about our humble response to the God who has given us everything in Christ.
How this captures the true character of prayer. This man came into the temple and stood with his eyes cast down. He did not assume the posture of prayer. All he could do was beat his breast and say, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
What do we learn about prayer from this man? Is it not obvious that real prayer, authentic prayer is an awareness of our helpless need? This man saw himself on the lowest possible level, a sinner. In fact, in the original language he calls himself, “the sinner.” The sinner, the very lowest kind, the worst kind. He believed that without God he could do absolutely nothing to help his position.
In this tax collector we also learn that true prayer is always an acknowledgment of divine adequacy. Our help must be in God. This man looked for help nowhere else. He did not say, “Lord, perhaps this Pharisee standing here can help me.” No, he said, “God be merciful to me.” In that word “have mercy” is hidden the wonderful story of the coming of Jesus, the cross and resurrection.
He used a theological word which means “be propitiated to me,” that is, “having had your justice satisfied, Lord, now show me your love.” And he believed that God's mercy was available, for, Jesus said, he “went home justified.” He was changed, he was different, he was made whole. He laid hold of what God said, and believed him.
This is where Jesus leaves us. Perhaps for the first time we can say, “Lord, be merciful to me, the sinner.” Even after years of Christian life we can start again, and say, “Lord, let me reckon upon your faithfulness to me, let me count upon your willingness to be in me and work through me to make my life all that it ought to be!!!”
Father, We come before You, just as the tax collector did in the temple that day, with a humble heart and a deep need for Your grace. Lord, we know that we are not perfect, and we have made mistakes. Like the Pharisee, we sometimes find ourselves feeling proud of what we do right, thinking we are better than others. But today, we bring our true selves before You, laying down any pride or self-righteousness. Lord, help us to be like that tax collector, recognizing our flaws and asking for Your mercy.
Lord let us not compare ourselves to others or think were more righteous, but instead, let us see ourselves as we truly are in your eyes a person in need of Your forgiveness and love.
We know that it’s not by our own actions or good deeds that we are made right in Your sight. It is through Your boundless love and sacrifice. Lord forgive us for the times we have judged others or thought ourselves better than them. Give us a heart that shows compassion and love to everyone, just as you do. Lord help us to live a life that reflects Your Grace and mercy, a life that honors You in all we do. Thank You, Father, for Your unending love and patience with us. We surrender our pride and shortcomings to You, asking for Your guidance and strength to walk humbly in Your ways. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen. !
I really enjoyed your thoughts on Luke’s 18:9-14. In the scripture we see all really need to find a way to humble ourselves to God and then remember this example of humility and having a willingness to work on that very thing, because it will help us draw closer to him that forgives us and gives what we can not do on our own. He knows our hearts and remembers our make. What a loving God!