Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I 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.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that “the poor in spirit would be blessed.” One biblical commentator renders that as “Blessed are those who know their spiritual poverty.” It seems that such an admission puts us in the right place to experience the depth of God’s steadfast love.
In this a parable of Jesus, we have a “supposed” spiritual giant (the fasting/tithing Pharisee) and an “obvious” sinner (the Tax Collector.) But who ends up being blessed and justified? The one who approached God in prayer with humility.
Prayer
Dear God, keep me focused on my relationship with you (and not how I judge the spiritual health of others). Let me accept your love and forgiveness as I follow my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.